Group holds forum on digital commerce, AI
By Chikodi Okereocha Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON), the country’s industry platform for digital finance stakeholders, has officially announced the third edition of its flagship event, PAFON 3.0. The gathering is
By Chikodi Okereocha
Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON), the country’s industry platform for digital finance stakeholders, has officially announced the third edition of its flagship event, PAFON 3.0.
The gathering is scheduled to take place on April 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, bringing together the brightest minds in banking, fintech, and regulation.
Under the central theme of exploring emerging trends, PAFON 3.0 will unite over 600 industry professionals and 20+ expert speakers.
The forum serves as a critical junction for banks, fintechs, telcos, and policymakers to collaborate on the future of digital payments, cybersecurity, and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in finance.
Organisers of the event say that as Nigeria continues to lead the continent in digital payment innovation, this year’s forum focuses on creating a sustainable framework for inclusive growth.
A flagship session dedicated to “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria” will highlight the event, addressing how technology can democratize financial access for millions of Nigerians.
Co-Convener of PAFON and Chairman of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), Chike Onwuegbuchi, emphasized the forum’s role in national development: “PAFON 3.0 is more than just a conference; it is a policy-industry dialogue designed to shape the future of our digital economy.
“We are bringing together regulators like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) alongside infrastructure providers to ensure that Nigeria’s payment ecosystem remains fair, accessible, and technology-driven.”
According to him, “Our goal is to champion a consumer-first approach that empowers both Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and everyday users”.
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Key highlights of PAFON 3.0 include Thought Leadership Panels: engaging discussions on AI, digital commerce, and the evolving regulatory landscape; Regulator Engagement: access to key agencies, including the CBN and the NCC.
Onwuegbuchi listed other highlights to include Exhibition & Demos: a dedicated showcase for fintechs and banks to launch new products, from digital wallets to advanced POS solutions; B2B Networking: exclusive opportunities for merchant aggregators, infrastructure providers, and financial institutions to build strategic partnerships.
PAFON 3.0 is powered by TechCastle Foundation and supported by Techeconomy, Nigeria’s digital platform for technology and business analysis.
Through its annual fora, PAFON drives the conversation on policy, innovation, and financial inclusion to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
