Tulupay, a fintech infrastructure firm, has announced the prelaunch of its pan-African Financial Operating System (FOS) aimed at improving interoperability across the continent’s fragmented financial ecosystem.

The company said the platform is designed to connect banks, mobile money operators, digital wallets and blockchain networks through a unified system, with the goal of easing cross-border payments, remittances and trade.

Founder, Felix Achibiri, said Africa’s financial landscape remains constrained by disconnected payment rails and high transaction costs, particularly for cross-border transfers. He noted that the new system seeks to provide a single infrastructure that links traditional financial services with emerging digital platforms.

“As cross-border transfers remain slow and expensive, and as more African central banks move toward CBDCs, the need for a unifying, interoperable operating system has never been more urgent,” he said.

According to the firm, the FOS will integrate multiple financial services, including payments, remittances, asset trading and investment, into one framework accessible to individuals, businesses and institutions.

Key components of the system include, Tulu Switch, a payments interoperability hub that enables transactions across different financial platforms through a single application interface, and Tulu Identity, a digital identity and compliance layer designed to streamline customer verification and regulatory processes.

It also plans to roll out Tulu Gateway, a trade platform aimed at supporting cross-border commerce through the digitisation of trade documents and automated settlement, as well as Tulu Wallet, which allows users to manage both fiat and digital currencies in one place.

The company added that the platform would support asset tokenisation and provide exchange infrastructure for trading digital and tokenised assets, alongside a blockchain network intended to serve as the backbone for transactions and settlement.

The announcement follows approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for Tulupay to participate in its fintech incubation programme, a step towards securing licences for digital asset custody, tokenisation and exchange services.

Achibiri said improving interoperability and reducing transaction costs would be critical to unlocking intra-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The firm said it is currently conducting pilot programmes with financial institutions, regulators and other partners ahead of a full rollout.

First City Monument Bank has opened applications for a new round of its SheVentures programme, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to improve access to working capital and support business growth.

FCMB

The bank said the initiative was designed to address financing challenges faced by women-led businesses, which continue to encounter high borrowing costs and limited access to affordable credit despite accounting for a significant portion of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Under the scheme, eligible applicants can access loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under the general category, while sector-specific businesses can obtain between ₦5 million and ₦10 million.

According to the bank, the funding is capped at up to 50 per cent of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

The facility comes with a zero per cent interest rate, with all charges incorporated into a transparent pricing structure. Repayment is spread over four or six months to allow businesses align obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FCMB, Yemisi Edun, said the intervention reflects the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth and economic empowerment.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively. Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers. This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs,” Edun said.

Also speaking, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at FCMB, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, said access to affordable finance remained a major challenge for women entrepreneurs.

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions,” she said.

FCMB noted that beyond access to funding, SheVentures also provides broader business support services aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises, encouraging innovation and improving competitiveness.

The bank said applications for the zero-interest loans are now open to qualified women entrepreneurs across the country.

Zenith Bank has confirmed the retirement of Jim Ovia, its founder and group chairman, following the completion of his tenure in line with regulatory requirements.

Jim Ovia and Mustafa Bello

The announcement was made on Tuesday during the bank’s 35th Annual General Meeting and was also detailed in an official statement released by the financial institution.

According to the bank, Ovia stepped down after serving the maximum 12 years permitted for a non-executive director and chairman under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s corporate governance regulations.

Ovia assumed the role of chairman on July 16, 2014, after serving as the institution’s founder and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer from 1990 to 2010.

Zenith Bank praised his leadership and contributions, noting that his period as chairman was defined by strategic guidance, sound governance, and strong oversight of the board.

“The board expresses its deep appreciation to Mr. Jim Ovia for his outstanding service and invaluable contributions.

“His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to good governance, and dedication to stakeholder value creation significantly strengthened the group’s strategic positioning and reputation during his tenure.

“He has extensive leadership experience at Board and executive levels, a strong understanding of corporate governance principles and regulatory expectations and a proven track record in strategic oversight and organisational growth. He has also demonstrated integrity, independence, and sound judgment,” the statement read.

The bank also disclosed that the board approved the appointment of Mustafa Bello as the new chairman during a meeting held on April 27.

Bello, an engineer by profession, joined the bank’s board on December 29, 2017, and is presently the longest-serving director on the board.

Zenith Bank said his appointment would help preserve continuity and stability within the institution while maintaining strong governance standards and ensuring a smooth transfer of leadership responsibilities.