#Mastercard

According to Techpoint Africa, 81% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria are optimistic about the upcoming year, driven by their growth ambitions. This positive outlook reflects the resilience and potential of the SME sector in the country as they prepare for future opportunities.

Mastercard has launched an Africa Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in South Africa and Nigeria, with support from Recorded Future's threat intelligence. However, Kenya is not included in the first phase of this initiative.

Mastercard has announced the launch of an Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, aimed at enhancing digital trust across the continent. This initiative is part of a multi-year effort to assist governments, financial institutions, and businesses in strengthening their defenses against cyber threats, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in Africa's rapidly expanding technology market.

President Bola Tinubu emphasized Nigeria's young population as a significant asset in expanding digital opportunities for businesses and workers. He assured Mastercard of the country's readiness in terms of a tech-savvy workforce and expressed support for enhancing digital skills among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

According to CIO Africa, Africa's payments landscape is evolving into a new phase that goes beyond mere digital transactions, focusing on the development of intelligent and interconnected financial ecosystems. This shift indicates a significant transformation in how financial services are delivered and utilized across the continent.