Data localisation and the future of secure payments will come under discussion as technology and financial services stakeholders examine the implications of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent directive for the country’s digital payments ecosystem.

The discussion is expected to form part of the inaugural GrowthX by Techeconomy conference, themed “Driving Digital Growth Through Innovation and Collaboration”, in Lagos on September 24.

The first panel, titled “Data Localisation, Identity & the Future of Secure Payments in Nigeria”, will focus on the implications of the directive for the digital payments’ ecosystem.

The second panel, “Building AI for Africa: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Growth”, will consider how Africa can move beyond AI adoption to developing homegrown solutions that address the continent’s economic and social challenges.

A separate session, “Fintech at a Crossroads? Innovation, Regulation and the Cost of Scaling in Nigeria”, will examine how fintech companies are balancing innovation, regulatory compliance and sustainable growth.

Among the confirmed speakers are executives from First City Monument Bank, Open Access Data Centres, UniCloud Africa, eTranzact International, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Trade Lenda, Bridge57 Solutions, NPF Microfinance Bank and Cashwise Finance.

Publisher and editor-in-chief of Techeconomy, Peter Oluka, said the conference would bring together people involved in building, regulating, funding and using digital services in Nigeria.

“We want the conversations at GrowthX to be useful to the people building, regulating, funding and using digital services in Nigeria,” he said.

The conference will hold at The Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9am and will also feature the Technology Innovation and Leadership Awards gala, with nominations for the awards ongoing.