It was a landmark moment for CardForté as the company celebrated its 5th anniversary on April 24, 2026, with a high-profile, day-long event at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club. The celebration brought together an impressive gathering of banking executives, fintech leaders, payment scheme representatives, partners, and key stakeholders across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
The anniversary event opened with a series of insightful panel sessions that tackled some of the most pressing issues in Nigeria’s payments and financial services space. The first session, themed “Local vs Global: The Battle for the Nigerian Wallet,” featured leading voices in the industry who examined the dynamics between domestic payment solutions and international card schemes.
Panelists highlighted that over 95% of transactions in Nigeria are conducted locally, with less than 5% involving international processing—an imbalance that significantly impacts cost structures for issuing banks. Discussions also delved into chargeback processes, regulatory compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria directives, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the importance of efficient bank-to-bank reconciliation systems.
A recurring theme was the need for collaboration over competition among payment schemes to drive transaction volumes and strengthen the ecosystem. Industry players emphasized strategic segmentation by banks to ensure international cards are issued only where necessary, thereby optimizing costs.
CardForté’s growing influence was evident as the company used the platform to showcase its contributions to the industry—both directly and through its extensive network of partners and clients. The firm also honored long-standing partners and clients, including Great Chapel and Moniepoint, recognizing their loyalty and shared journey since inception.
The second panel session shifted focus to Financial Inclusion and Agency Banking, shedding light on the realities of access to financial services in Nigeria. Experts noted that while financial inclusion currently stands at about 64%, the national target remains 95%, leaving a significant portion of the population underserved.
Speakers emphasized the critical role of agent networks, which currently serve millions of Nigerians, particularly in underserved areas. However, discussions pointed out that financial inclusion must go beyond basic transactions like deposits and withdrawals. Expanding access to credit, insurance, and pensions was identified as the next frontier.
There was strong consensus that agency banking remains the backbone of last-mile financial access, with calls for more agents, better infrastructure, and stronger identity systems through BVN and NIMC integration. Panelists also stressed the importance of improving customer experience and leveraging technology—such as AI-driven verification and fraud detection—to scale services effectively.
A third session explored the future of payments under the theme “Beyond the Card and Physical Payment.” Industry experts discussed innovations such as tokenization, contactless payments, and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing transaction security and personalization. While contactless payments are still emerging in Nigeria, stakeholders agreed that adoption will grow with increased awareness and user education.
Beyond business discussions, CardForté reinforced its commitment to social impact by engaging with its local community through outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation.
In his remarks, Executive Director Tunde Aka-Bashorun highlighted the company’s achievements, revealing that CardForté has produced over 27 million cards for more than 150 clients since its inception in 2021. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to local talent development, noting that 100% of its workforce is Nigerian, with a strong pipeline built through its graduate trainee programme.
Co-founder and CEO Seun Lawal underscored the company’s mission to challenge long-standing perceptions about local capacity. He noted that CardForté has demonstrated that world-class, secure, and innovative card solutions can be produced locally, reducing dependence on imports while strengthening Nigeria’s financial sovereignty.
Industry partners also praised the company’s rapid growth and resilience. Stakeholders commended CardForté’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence, expressing confidence in its trajectory over the next five years.
The celebration concluded with an elegant evening gala, where staff and stakeholders connected in a relaxed setting, and outstanding employees were recognized for their contributions.
As CardForté looks to the future, its 5th anniversary stands not just as a milestone, but as a testament to its role in shaping Nigeria’s fintech landscape—driven by innovation, collaboration, and a clear vision for inclusive growth.