Firm marks milestone impact in digital economy
A Lagos-based card manufacturing and identity solutions company, CardForté, has marked its fifth anniversary, reflecting on what it described as a journey shaped by resilience and steady contributions to Nigeria’s
A Lagos-based card manufacturing and identity solutions company, CardForté, has marked its fifth anniversary, reflecting on what it described as a journey shaped by resilience and steady contributions to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Lekki, the company said its ability to survive and expand within Nigeria’s challenging business environment—characterised by foreign exchange volatility, energy constraints, and regulatory changes—demonstrates its discipline and sustainability.
Over the past five years, CardForté has produced more than 27 million cards for over 150 clients, including fintech companies and first-time issuers.
Through these partnerships, the firm estimates it has indirectly supported financial access for over 20 million Nigerians, particularly in underserved communities.
Co-founder and Director, Tunde Aka-Bashorun, described the journey as instructive, noting that persistence has been central to the company’s progress.
“We’ve made our own modest contribution, but the journey has been full of lessons. In Nigeria, having a good idea is not enough. You need resilience, patience and the ability to keep moving forward, even in difficult times,” he said.
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The company said it remains committed to building local capacity, adding that its workforce is entirely Nigerian. It also noted that its Graduate Trainee Programme has helped develop young professionals who have progressed into key roles within the organisation.
Beyond payments, CardForté said its solutions now span healthcare, retail and hospitality, supporting improved efficiency and customer experience. In the healthcare sector, it is exploring innovations such as QR-enabled medical cards designed to enhance patient data management and support policy planning.
Despite these gains, the company acknowledged ongoing operational challenges, including high production costs, foreign exchange pressures, energy demands, and limited access to affordable financing, noting that these issues reflect broader industry constraints.
“There is strong potential for Nigeria to emerge as a hub for manufacturing and innovation, but businesses require policy stability, improved infrastructure and access to finance to thrive,” he said.
Looking ahead, CardForté said it is nearing completion of a new production facility in Lagos aimed at boosting capacity, while its research and development unit is working on new offerings, including eco-friendly cards and advanced technology solutions.
The company reaffirmed its focus on addressing practical needs, urging entrepreneurs to build solutions that respond to real market demands.
As it celebrates five years of operation, CardForté said the milestone represents not just its growth, but the broader potential for building sustainable and impactful businesses in Nigeria despite prevailing challenges.
