AfriGO Card Pushes Nigeria Toward Payment Independence

AfriGO, Nigeria’s first domestic card scheme, is rapidly becoming a symbol of financial sovereignty. Since its debut in 2023, the initiative—championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and operated through the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS)—has been expanding across sectors and drawing more banks into its network.

With issuing partners like Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Palmpay, First Bank, and Stanbic IBTC, the card scheme has made notable strides in offering instant merchant settlements and multi-use functionality. From retail payments to transport services, AfriGO is reshaping how Nigerians experience daily financial transactions.

“AfriGO is more than just a payment card—it is a symbol of our nation’s commitment to securing our financial data, empowering our merchants, and providing Nigerians with a reliable, homegrown payment solution,” said Ebehijie Momoh, CEO of Afrigopay Financial Services Limited.

AfriGo: Boosting Small Businesses, Enhancing Data Control

A key selling point for AfriGO is its support for small and medium-sized businesses. Unlike traditional international schemes, which may take days to process payments, AfriGO credits merchants instantly when transactions occur on POS terminals. This boosts cash flow and enables faster reinvestment—especially critical for SMEs operating on tight margins.

The platform also provides robust offline functionality, meaning that users in areas with limited internet access can still complete transactions. Additionally, AfriGO cards support ATM withdrawals, online shopping, and agent-assisted payments.

Importantly, AfriGO processes all data locally. By keeping sensitive cardholder information within Nigeria’s borders, it reinforces the country’s digital sovereignty and aligns with wider efforts to guard against data exploitation by foreign entities.

Financial Inclusion Meets National Identity

AfriGO isn’t just about speed or security—it’s also designed to bring more Nigerians into the formal financial ecosystem. Many underbanked citizens now have access to secure, affordable payment options that were once out of reach.

The CBN believes this approach will fast-track financial inclusion across rural and underserved regions. With backing from financial institutions and mobile platforms, AfriGO’s footprint is growing by the day.