PufferPay CEO Emmanuel Ovaga to Deliver Keynote at Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026

Emmanuel Ovaga, Chief Executive Officer of PufferPay Limited, will deliver the keynote address at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026. The event holds on Friday, 31 July 2026, at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Theme: “Fintech: Driving the Future of Nigeria’s Digital Financial Ecosystem”

Keynote Profile
Emmanuel Ovaga is a technology entrepreneur and business leader with a strong track record of building and scaling digital solutions across Africa. A graduate of Computer Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, he is CEO of PufferPay Limited and Pufferfish Technology Limited.

At PufferPay, he drives the company’s mission to deliver seamless, secure, and inclusive payment solutions for emerging markets. Pufferfish Technology, a Pan-African IT and consulting firm, specializes in software development, data analytics, and systems integration. Under his leadership, the firm birthed PufferPay to enhance financial inclusion and payments facilitation in Africa through best-in-class transaction speed and security.

Organiser’s Statement
Prince Cookey, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, said:
“Emmanuel Ovaga represents the next generation of tech leaders in Nigeria’s fintech space. His work at PufferPay has positioned the company as a key player in Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem, with growing influence across Africa. Delegates expect a robust conversation on the current state and future of the fintech market.”

Dignitaries
Special Guests of Honour:

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM)

Chairman: Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX)
Guest of Honour: Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, President/Chairman of Council, NCRIB

Panelists:

Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE)
Mrs. Idu Okeahialam, GMD/CEO, Royal Exchange Plc
Mr. Jide Orimolade, MD/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited
Dr. Obioha Oti, President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN)
Mr. Sarafadeen Fasasi, President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN)
Chidubem Emelumadu, Ecosystem Lead (Africa), Lisk

Industry Context
The success of Moniepoint, OPay, PalmPay, Flutterwave, and others has expanded Nigeria’s financial services sector. With millions still lacking access to basic financial services, fintechs remain critical to achieving financial inclusion.

Data indicates fintechs in Nigeria have driven a 20% increase in financial inclusion, raising the banked population to roughly 63%. They have introduced faster, affordable digital payments, lending, and investment services, accelerating digital transformation in traditional banks.

Nigerian fintechs secured 35% of total tech funding in 2024, attracting roughly 36% of all African fintech investment. Moniepoint’s $110 million Series C was among notable deals. In January 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria granted national licences to Moniepoint, Opay, and others, authorising nationwide operations.

About the Roundtable
The 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 will highlight fintechs’ contributions to deepening financial inclusion, expanding access to financial services, and driving economic growth. Participants include regulators, industry operators, media, and members of the public.

About Business Journal Media Group
Business Journal Media Group is a leading business and financial media organisation committed to promoting informed economic discourse, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. Through publications, conferences, and roundtables, it spotlights issues driving Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic transformation.