NIGERIA’S DIGITAL PAYMENTS GAIN GLOBAL INFLUENCE – ISACA

Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem is increasingly gaining international recognition, with the Information Systems Audit and Control Association saying payment innovations from the country have influenced the development of its global e-commerce platform.

ISACA’s Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Kyei-Boateng, disclosed this at the 30th anniversary celebration of the ISACA Lagos Chapter in Lagos.

Kyei-Boateng said ISACA adopted payment technologies for its new e-commerce platform after drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s advanced digital payment environment.

He said the development showed how technology solutions developed or refined in Nigeria could provide useful models for organisations operating globally.

The ISACA official added that the opportunity extended beyond Nigeria, noting that other African countries also had the potential to develop technologies and solutions capable of competing in global markets.

The development comes as Nigeria’s digital payments sector continues to expand, driven by growing smartphone use, fintech adoption and demand for faster electronic transactions.

Meanwhile, ISACA Global Chief Executive Officer Erik Prusch said Nigeria could use artificial intelligence to accelerate technological development and narrow the gap with more advanced economies.

However, he warned that rapid AI adoption must be supported by strong governance, cybersecurity and risk-management frameworks.

Prusch said organisations needed to understand the risks associated with AI and establish appropriate controls as adoption increased.

He also highlighted the importance of developing technology skills, saying ISACA had invested in AI-focused training and professional certifications for audit, cybersecurity and risk-management professionals.

With more than 2,000 ISACA members in Nigeria, the organisation said it would continue supporting professional development and helping to strengthen the country’s technology and cybersecurity talent pool.

ISACA is also developing programmes aimed at introducing young people to technology careers through partnerships with universities, mentorship, certification and networking opportunities.

The organisation said Nigeria’s growing digital capabilities could create opportunities for the country to contribute more significantly to global technology development.