FirstBank fintech collaboration takes the spotlight at CAFS 2025, showcasing impactful innovation, API technology, and AI-driven financial inclusion

FirstBank fintech collaboration was prominently featured at the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS 2025), held from August 5 to 8 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.

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As a key sponsor of the high-impact event, FirstBank reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation, economic inclusion, and global innovation between Africa and Canada.

Convened by Dr. Segun Aina, President of the African Fintech Network, CAFS 2025 gathered industry trailblazers, regulators, and innovators to co-create solutions that foster cross-border fintech growth.

FirstBank’s participation was a highlight of the summit, aligning with its mission to support scalable financial ecosystems that benefit millions.

With over 131 years of banking heritage, FirstBank remains a cornerstone in Africa’s financial evolution.

Its sponsorship of CAFS 2025 exemplifies a long-term vision for inclusive growth, as shared by Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications:

“Our support of CAFS 2025 reflects our belief that collaboration between African and Canadian fintech ecosystems can lead to transformative innovations. FirstBank is proud to help shape that future.”

This FirstBank fintech collaboration embodies the bank’s broader strategy of investing in ecosystem partnerships that empower innovation and enable global connectivity.

In a high-level panel with Ontario MPP Rudy Cuzzeto and David Stevenson of the United Nations World Food Programme (Nigeria), Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive for E-Business & Retail Products, emphasized how APIs are reshaping Africa’s financial infrastructure.

“We’re building APIs that understand regulatory bifurcation—who has access to what and why,” said Ezirim.

“Technology is the easy part. The challenge is in ensuring security, consent, and performance.”

He added that Nigeria’s fintech space is moving from disruption to convergence, where banks, startups, and regulators collaborate within agile frameworks to boost consumer trust and investor confidence.

Rachel Adeshina, FirstBank’s Chief Technology Officer, provided insights on using artificial intelligence to address data poverty and increase credit access for underbanked populations.

“We’re using AI to analyze alternative data and reach individuals invisible to traditional credit systems,” she explained.

Through its AI-driven model, FirstBank has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in digital loans, maintaining an impressive 99%+ repayment rate.

Adeshina credited regulatory support and infrastructure—including API standards and data privacy laws—as critical enablers of this success.

She further highlighted the need for interoperability across Africa’s 54 markets, stating:

“Digital scale will come from interoperability. Connecting Africa is the next big challenge, and fintechs are well positioned to lead.”

The summit aligns with Canada’s broader Africa Strategy, which focuses on innovation, economic cooperation, and digital integration.

As Canada progresses on its open banking agenda, CAFS 2025 served as a platform to synchronize with Africa’s digital finance momentum—an area where FirstBank leads.

Operating in 10 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia, FirstBank fintech collaboration is reinforced by a strong international presence and digital-first mindset.

With over 25 million active digital customers and a pioneering role in USSD and wallet-based banking, FirstBank is redefining access and engagement.

Backed by top-tier ratings and a string of global awards—including Best SME Bank in Africa and Nigeria, and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing—FirstBank continues to set industry benchmarks in innovation, governance, and empowerment.

As CAFS 2025 concluded, FirstBank’s role in shaping global fintech ecosystems stood clear.

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Through sustained collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and regulatory leadership, FirstBank is turning its vision—“To be Africa’s Bank of first choice”—into a bold, inclusive reality.