OPay, a prominent financial institution in Nigeria, has announced a strategic partnership with AfriGO Card, a product developed by Afrigopay Financial Services Limited, which operates under the umbrella of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System. This collaboration is designed to enhance the accessibility and availability of digital payment services across the country. The announcement was made in a statement to the media, highlighting that the partnership aims to facilitate rapid scaling of payment solution offerings, making them both secure and convenient for the Nigerian populace.
The Managing Director and CEO of OPay, Mr. Dauda Gotring, emphasized that the partnership with AfriGO aligns with OPay’s mission to streamline financial services for all Nigerians. He described the OPay/AfriGO card as a transformative tool that seeks to bridge the gap for individuals who have traditionally been excluded from the banking system. By providing a more economical payment option and enabling instant transaction settlements, the collaboration is poised to enhance financial inclusion, catering to Nigeria’s economically underserved populations.
Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh, the MD and CEO of Afrigopay Financial Services, echoed the sentiment of transforming financial service delivery through this partnership. She noted that the collaboration would particularly focus on underserved areas of Nigeria. The network of agents formed as part of this initiative will enhance local economic activity by extending essential banking services such as purchases, deposits, withdrawals, and money transfers. This expansion is critical for boosting accessibility and promoting a more inclusive financial environment, enabling a wider range of individuals to participate in Nigeria’s economy.
The AfriGO initiative aims to introduce Nigeria’s National Domestic Card Scheme, a significant step toward improving financial inclusivity. This initiative is anchored on leveraging innovative products, a customer-centric approach, and cutting-edge technological solutions to reduce dependence on foreign currencies for payment transactions. The introduction of the AfriGO Card is projected to not only strengthen local businesses by fostering financial sovereignty but also create new opportunities within Nigeria’s growing card ecosystem, promoting wealth generation within the local market.
The partnership also signifies OPay’s ongoing commitment to providing its myriad customers with advanced payment solutions tailored to their needs. The collaboration with Afrigopay intends to substantially increase the uptake of digital payments in Nigeria by offering a secure and locally relevant alternative to foreign payment cards. As the landscape of payment solutions in Nigeria evolves, this partnership is strategically positioned to influence the future of financial transactions in the country, promoting greater adoption of digital payment methodologies.
Overall, the synergy between OPay and AfriGO Card represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the financial needs of Nigerians, especially those overlooked by conventional banking frameworks. By enhancing the availability and efficiency of payment solutions, the partnership not only supports the operational needs of local businesses and merchants but also aligns with a broader vision of advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria. The expected results from this collaboration could mark a pivotal change in how financial services are delivered and consumed, laying a robust foundation for Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
