PalmPay GITEX 2025 panel stressed trust, simplicity, and local partnerships as keys to scaling financial services across Africa’s digital economy

PalmPay GITEX 2025 appearance in Lagos underscored the fintech’s belief that trust, simplicity, and local partnerships remain central to scaling financial services across Africa.

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Speaking at the Landmark Centre on September 4, PalmPay Vice President of Partnerships Chibuzor Melah joined a high-level panel titled ‘From Idea to Infrastructure The African Tech Executive & Founders’ Playbook’.

The session explored how bold ideas are being converted into scalable systems in Africa’s digital economy.

Melah pointed to persistent challenges such as reliance on cash and low levels of financial literacy, stressing that overcoming them requires more than just technology.

“Our greatest responsibility is to earn trust. Security and compliance must come first, because customers deserve to feel protected. But beyond that, we must make financial tools simple, accessible, and truly usable for every Nigerian, no matter their background,” he said.

Simplicity, according to Melah, drives adoption in regions with limited financial literacy. PalmPay, which now serves 40 million customers, has designed its platform to be intuitive and easy to use.

Outlining PalmPay’s approach, Melah said the company launches with a “hero product” that provides immediate value, builds strong local partnerships, and maintains agility through decentralised decision-making to adapt to Africa’s diverse markets.

He urged African innovators to stay agile, tailor branding to local realities, and maintain focus on customer experience.

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PalmPay’s role at GITEX 2025 aligns with its broader strategy of blending technology with local insight to advance financial inclusion and empower millions across the continent.