GITEX NIGERIA has launched MINT AFRICA by GITEX, a new platform designed to bring regulators, financial institutions, investors, and technology companies together to shape the future of Africa’s rapidly evolving financial sector.
The platform was unveiled in Lagos during the recently concluded GITEX NIGERIA event and is scheduled to make its debut during GITEX NIGERIA week in 2027, in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
The launch comes as Africa’s digital payments economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, according to industry research cited by GITEX.
The new platform will focus on emerging technologies transforming financial services, including artificial intelligence in banking, tokenisation of real-world assets, stablecoins, digital currencies, next-generation payment systems, digital identity, cybersecurity and cross-border financial interoperability.
It will also examine the regulatory and investment frameworks needed to support the adoption of these technologies across African markets.
GITEX said Nigeria’s progress in financial inclusion makes the country a strategic market for the initiative.
According to figures cited by the organisation, adult ownership of financial accounts in Nigeria increased from 45.3 per cent in 2021 to 63.3 per cent in 2024.
However, only 9.1 per cent of adults accessed formal borrowing channels, highlighting a significant gap between access to financial accounts and access to formal credit.
MINT AFRICA is expected to explore how technology and regulatory innovation can help close the gap by expanding access to capital, modernising financial infrastructure and bringing more consumers and businesses into the digital economy.
Lagos Stakes Claim
The choice of Lagos as the host city reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s fintech industry and the concentration of technology companies, investors and skilled professionals in the state.
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the state’s participation was consistent with its ambition to remain at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.
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“Lagos is a consequential destination and what happens here helps shape Africa’s digital transformation trajectory,” Hamzat said.
The platform will also focus on the regulatory challenges associated with the growing use of digital assets and cross-border financial technologies.
Tahiru Al Hassan, Head of Oversight and Compliance, Virtual Assets Department at the Bank of Ghana, called for stronger regulatory cooperation among African countries.
He said greater coordination would be necessary to address the cross-border nature of digital assets, prevent regulatory fragmentation and build trusted and interoperable financial ecosystems.
Beyond Fintech
GITEX Chief Executive Officer, Trixie Lohmirmand, said the financial sector was entering a new phase in which technologies such as artificial intelligence, tokenised assets and interconnected payment systems were becoming increasingly important.
She said MINT AFRICA would connect technology, regulation, infrastructure and global capital to support the growth of Africa’s financial economy.
The initiative is also being launched against the backdrop of the continent’s persistent financing challenges.
GITEX cited African Development Bank estimates that reforms targeting deeper capital markets, stronger domestic resource mobilisation and public-private partnerships could unlock up to $1.43 trillion in financing annually.
MINT AFRICA is expected to provide a platform for governments, regulators, financial institutions, investors and technology companies to develop strategies for expanding financial inclusion, strengthening digital infrastructure and unlocking new investment opportunities across Africa.
