Invest in Energy Infrastructure To Boost Financial Inclusion, Economic Growth, Interswitch Group CEO Tells Africans

Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO of Interswitch, has urged Africans to invest massively in energy infrastructure as a critical enabler of financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth across the continent. In a keynote address delivered on his behalf at the 11th edition of the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) 2026 in Lagos, the company underscored the inextricable link between reliable energy, digital infrastructure, and inclusive prosperity.

 

Represented Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group CEO, Interswitch, Adeyinka Adekoya, Vice President, Energy Ecosystem, delivered the keynote address titled "Rewiring Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure & Investments," emphasising that reliable energy is the foundation upon which digital transformation, financial participation and inclusive economic development are built.

 

Addressing policymakers, regulators, development partners, investors, private sector leaders and innovators, Adekoya observed that while Africa has made significant progress in expanding access to digital financial services, sustainable financial inclusion will remain out of reach for millions without reliable access to electricity.

 

He explained that energy powers the digital infrastructure underpinning payments, commerce and financial services, making it indispensable to building resilient economies, expanding opportunities for underserved communities and enabling broader participation in the formal economy.

"Financial inclusion extends beyond providing access to financial services. It is about creating the conditions that enable people and businesses to participate meaningfully in the economy. Energy is one of those critical conditions. Where energy is unavailable or unreliable, economic opportunities are constrained, digital services are limited, and financial exclusion persists. In many ways, energy poverty is financial exclusion in disguise," Adekoya said.

 

Highlighting the role of innovation in shaping Africa's future, Adekoya also stressed the importance of empowering young people to develop solutions that address pressing societal challenges while creating sustainable economic value.

"Africa's greatest competitive advantage lies in the ingenuity of its young people. By creating an enabling environment where innovation solves real problems and attracts investment, we can accelerate inclusive development across the continent. The future is youth-driven, innovation-led and investment-enabled," he added.

 

For more than two decades, Interswitch has remained at the forefront of building payment infrastructure that powers commerce, expands financial access and accelerates digital transformation across Africa. Beyond enabling seamless payments, the company continues to invest in strategic partnerships and ecosystem collaborations that strengthen critical infrastructure, foster innovation and unlock shared value for businesses, governments and communities.

 

As Africa's economies become increasingly digital and interconnected, Interswitch believes that sustainable progress will depend on resilient infrastructure, forward-looking investments and strong cross-sector collaboration.

 

Through platforms such as the Nigeria Energy Forum, the company continues to advocate for integrated solutions that connect energy, technology and finance, creating the conditions for broader financial inclusion and long-term economic growth. By enabling the infrastructure and partnerships that power opportunity, Interswitch remains committed to helping build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Africa.