To advance inclusive digital transformation and spotlight the role of youth-driven innovation in sustainable development, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) participated in the 14th Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS), held from October 8–10, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) in Accra, Ghana.
The annual Summit, recognized as Africa’s leading fintech event, brought together global and local leaders, fintech companies from both the public and private sectors, policymakers, investors, and innovators to discuss new opportunities in financial technology, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Driving Youth Inclusion Through Catalytic Philanthropy
PIND participated in the summit not just as a thought leader, but as an organization committed to creating digital and economic pathways for young people in the Niger Delta. Through its programs in enterprise development, youth empowerment, and technology-driven livelihoods, PIND continues to champion inclusive innovation that connects underserved communities to emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
Representing PIND at the 2-day Summit, Dr. Effiong Essien, PIND’s Program Director, addressed questions during a strategic fireside chat titled “Impact Investing & the Role of Philanthropists in Driving Inclusion & Accelerating Innovation.” He explained how PIND fosters youth-led innovation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region through market-based development initiatives, strategic partnerships with government, private sector, and communities, as well as inclusive programs targeting women, people with disabilities, and rural communities. He further provided insights into how PIND invests in innovation and technology to create employment opportunities for young people in the region.
“Our vision is for a Niger Delta where youth are not just consumers of technology but also creators and innovators who transform their communities and contribute to the broader African digital economy,” said Dr. Essien. “We are not merely funding projects; we are building an ecosystem where young people are equipped with the right tools, networks, and opportunities necessary to succeed in a tech-driven economy,” he stated.
In the panel titled “Where’s the Money? DFIs, VCs, and the Role of the Secondaries Market,” Dr. Essien emphasized PIND’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that drive systemic change in the Niger Delta. He reflected on the progress achieved over the past 15 years through collaborations with development finance institutions, investors, and innovators. Dr. Essien also shared insights from his experience with Chevron and PIND, establishing Special Purpose Investment Portfolios such as Continuum Capital (CC) and Sombreiro Kapital, to ensure investment sustainability. He emphasized that PIND’s overarching goal is to design scalable interventions that create opportunities, deepen impact, and foster sustainable ripple effects across the region’s economic and social landscape.
Spotlighting PIND’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) Impact
The 14th Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS) provided a global platform for PIND to showcase youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries and implementing partners from PIND’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) program presented cutting-edge solutions shaping the region’s digital future. Two alumni teams, alongside their mentors, participated in panel sessions on microfinance and digital inclusion, demonstrating how youth-led innovation can expand financial access and drive inclusive growth in underserved communities.
A key highlight of PIND’s participation was the AFTS Business Pitch Competition, which featured a YEP implementing partner and CEO, Olutu Square, Bruce Lucas, presenting EazzyReg, a digital platform for tax administration that simplifies registration, compliance, and payment processes for individuals and businesses in Rivers State. By promoting transparency, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and strengthening revenue systems, it exemplifies how local innovation can improve governance efficiency and economic sustainability in the Niger Delta.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact Through Innovation
PIND’s participation in the 14th Africa Fintech Summit underscores its dedication to inclusive growth and the significant presence of youth, particularly women, in a sector traditionally dominated by men. This reflects PIND’s strong commitment to equity and inclusion while fostering innovation and sustainable development across the Niger Delta and beyond.
Building on the success of its YEP program, PIND is focused on strengthening partnerships that promote cross-learning, private sector collaboration, and the replication of successful models. By encouraging women’s participation and leadership in technology, PIND aims to ensure that the Niger Delta’s digital future is both innovative and inclusive, with a focus on sustainability.
