Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship with its support for the maiden Kano Startup Weekend 2025, held from December 13 to 14 in Kano.
The event, themed “Igniting Innovation & Empowering Entrepreneurs,” brought together early-stage founders, developers, investors, and ecosystem enablers to accelerate the growth of Kano’s emerging startup community.
As a key sponsor, Interswitch actively participated through mentorship sessions, networking engagements, and the startup pitch competition, offering founders practical guidance on building scalable digital businesses. Participants also gained exposure to Interswitch’s developer-friendly platforms and digital payment solutions designed to support startup growth.
The Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) 2025 is the flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme of the Kano State Government, organised through the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA). The initiative aligns with the Kano State Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030), which seeks to position the state as a technology and innovation hub in Northern Nigeria.
Startups from sectors including technology, education, agriculture, mobility, and digital services pitched their ideas during the two-day event. Expert-led sessions covered key areas such as product development, funding readiness, customer acquisition, and scaling strategies, equipping founders with critical tools to refine their business models and prepare for growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Patrick Okebu, Chief Information Officer at Interswitch, underscored the importance of nurturing regional innovation ecosystems.
“Kano Startup Weekend reflects the depth of entrepreneurial potential emerging from Northern Nigeria. At Interswitch, we understand that innovation thrives when founders have access to the right platforms, mentorship, and enabling infrastructure. Our support for this event aligns with our commitment to empowering startups with digital commerce solutions that help them scale sustainably and compete effectively,” Okebu said.
Beyond mentorship and pitching, KSW 2025 facilitated collaboration between the public sector, private organisations, investors, and the startup community, highlighting the role of partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth and innovation.
The successful debut of Kano Startup Weekend signals growing momentum within Kano State’s technology ecosystem. Interswitch noted that initiatives like KSW are critical to expanding economic opportunities, developing local talent, and strengthening Nigeria’s broader digital economy.
Through its sponsorship and active engagement, Interswitch reinforced its position as a strategic partner to founders, developers, and innovation enablers, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting platforms that foster entrepreneurship, skills development, and regional collaboration across Nigeria and beyond.