FirstBank of Nigeria Limited proudly sponsored the recently held Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS 2025), which took place from August 5–8 at the Sheraton Centre in Downtown Toronto, Canada.
Organized by Dr. Segun Aina, President of the African Fintech Network, the summit brought together fintech leaders, regulators, startups, and investors from Africa and Canada to explore scalable digital solutions, boost investments, and promote inclusive economic growth across both continents.
FirstBank’s Commitment to Inclusive Digital Innovation
With over 131 years of leadership in financial services, FirstBank’s sponsorship of CAFS 2025 reflects its deep commitment to financial inclusion, cross-border collaboration, and cutting-edge fintech solutions.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, stated:
“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.”
Driving Digital Collaboration Across Borders
In a high-level panel discussion with Rudy Cuzzeto (MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore) and David Stevenson (Country Director, UN World Food Programme, Nigeria), Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive for E-Business & Retail Products at FirstBank, emphasized the role of secure, regulatory-aligned APIs in building trust and driving convergence between banks, fintechs, and regulators.
“In Nigeria, fintech has evolved beyond disruption to convergence, integrating banks, fintechs, and regulators into an agile and accountable ecosystem,” Ezirim explained.
Harnessing AI to Expand Credit Access
On another panel, Rachel Adeshina, Chief Technology Officer at FirstBank, shared how the bank uses artificial intelligence to interpret alternative data, enabling credit access for underserved individuals who are often invisible to traditional credit systems.
FirstBank has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in digital loans using this AI-driven model, achieving a 99% repayment rate, a testament to the power of technology when paired with supportive regulations and consumer trust.
Fintech Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth
Speakers stressed that interoperability and cross-border payments are critical to scaling fintech solutions in Africa.
As Ezirim noted:
“The more we collaborate, the more lessons we learn, and the greater the benefits for consumers.”
About FirstBank
Founded in 1894, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is one of Africa’s most enduring and respected financial institutions, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, financial access, and cross-border innovation.
Media Contact:
Olayinka Ijabiyi
Ag. Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited
