Interswitch, an integrated payments and digital commerce company, has announced the induction of the third and largest cohort of developer interns into its Developer Academy, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to building world-class technology talent and strengthening Africa’s digital ecosystem.

Selected from a pool of over 20,000 applications, the new cohort emerged through a rigorous multi-stage process involving technical assessments, and interviews. Their induction into the Developer Academy highlights both the scale of interest in software engineering opportunities in Nigeria and Interswitch’s role in nurturing the next generation of highly skilled technology professionals.

Commenting on the initiative, founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe, emphasised the importance of taking a long-term, ecosystem-driven approach to talent development.

“At Interswitch, we have always believed in the capacity to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on long-term impact. While the migration of skilled talent remains a reality, our approach is to actively shape the outcomes by building a strong and sustainable pipeline of technology professionals.

“We are therefore committed to equipping individuals with the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the broader technology ecosystem, locally and globally, not just for our own needs at Interswitch. In doing so, we are not only strengthening the industry but also reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a source of globally competitive engineering talent,” Elegbe said.

The 9-month programme brings together talents across key engineering tracks, including Backend Development, DevOps, Mobile Development, Frontend Engineering, and Quality Assurance.

Designed as an intensive and structured learning experience, the Developer Academy combines theoretical instruction with real-world application, equipping participants with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly global and competitive technology landscape.

Also commenting, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch, Franklin Ali, said: “The Developer Academy reflects our long-term commitment to building talent at scale. We are equipping these young professionals not just with technical skills, but with the mindset, discipline, and adaptability required to thrive in diverse environments.

“Whether they build their careers within Interswitch, contribute to the local ecosystem, or explore global opportunities, they represent the strength and potential of Nigerian talent and carry forward the standard of excellence we are committed to building.”

Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a pan-African organisation focused on digital rights and inclusion, has released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, highlighting major achievements across Africa and other parts of the Global South.

PIN

The report showed that PIN recorded a consolidated media reach of 3.07 billion in 2025, alongside a digital inclusion reach of 1,830 beneficiaries across five major initiatives.

It also disclosed that the organisation trained 282 stakeholders through cyber law engagements, hosted 55 events, and handled 11 strategic litigation cases, including one landmark privacy ruling.

According to the report, PIN expanded its digital literacy and skills development programmes through its Life Skills, ICTs, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship (LIFE) Legacy Programme, delivering training across 13 African countries.

The countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, among others.

The programme targeted young people, women, educators, and underserved communities, with a focus on strengthening digital skills, employability readiness, and online rights awareness.

In addition, PIN said it trained over 250 judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers across Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia through its Stemming the Tides of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital System (STANDS) programme and related cyber law trainings.

The organisation said the trainings were beginning to influence judicial and law enforcement practices in participating countries.

Executive Director of PIN, Gbenga Sesan, said 2025 demonstrated what could be achieved through commitment to impactful work despite operational challenges.

“Even though 2025 tested that conviction with the threats that accompanied it, digital expansion continued at pace.

“2025 was also a year that reminded us of what is possible when people commit to doing much-needed work well,” Sesan said.

The report also examined broader digital rights trends across Africa and the Global South, warning of a widening gap between rapid digital expansion and the protection of fundamental human rights.

According to PIN, 2025 witnessed an increase in vague cybercrime and cybersecurity laws, heightening risks of surveillance, censorship, and disproportionate enforcement.

It added that internet shutdowns, online harassment, and platform restrictions continued to shrink civic space, particularly during elections and periods of political tension.

“Governments accelerated the rollout of digital infrastructure while, in too many cases, sidelining the rights frameworks that should govern it.

“New cybercrime laws were passed in the dead of night. Internet shutdowns were deployed as tools of political convenience.

“Journalists, human rights defenders, women, and young people continued to bear the heaviest costs of a digital environment that treats rights as a footnote,” Sesan added.

Despite sector-wide challenges, the organisation said 2025 remained a year of sustained impact, supported by its team, sponsors, board members, partners, and supporters across the continent.

PIN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a rights-based digital future where innovation is balanced with inclusion, safety, privacy, and freedom of expression.

United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting press freedom and strengthening science and technology journalism in Nigeria through a media training programme for journalists.

Speaking during the Advancing Press Freedom Through Science and Technology Journalism training organised by the UK Government, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, said independent journalism remains essential to democratic societies and informed public debate.

Baxter, who hosted the journalists at his residence in Lagos, described the programme as part of the UK’s sustained engagement with Nigerian journalists, academia, and media stakeholders aimed at promoting ethical, evidence-based reporting.

“Strong, independent journalism is essential to democratic societies and informed public debate. That is why we take our relationship with the Nigerian media very seriously,” Baxter said.

He noted that the UK strongly supports freedom of expression and a free press, adding that the training programme was designed to equip Nigerian journalists with tools to interrogate data, challenge misinformation, and accurately communicate scientific and technological issues.

“In an age of rapid technological change, accurate, ethical, and evidence-based reporting has never been more essential,” he said.

Baxter highlighted previous training engagements held for Nigerian journalists in Abuja, Lagos, and the United Kingdom, noting that the latest programme builds on earlier workshops conducted in Portugal and London.

According to him, the initiative also reflects the UK’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Nigerian media professionals while improving public understanding of bilateral priorities such as economic growth, migration, and security cooperation.

He referenced the recent state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the UK as a major milestone in UK-Nigeria relations, stressing the importance of responsible media coverage during key diplomatic engagements.

“It was important for us to work closely with Nigerian media during the visit to ensure the public received accurate information while also helping hold all parties accountable to the commitments made,” he stated.

A panel discussion held during the event focused on challenges facing journalists in science and technology reporting, including misinformation, disinformation, access to reliable data, digital harassment, source protection, and legal risks.

Panelists noted that journalists face increasing pressure in a fast-paced digital media environment where algorithms often reward virality over factual accuracy.

They urged reporters to prioritise research, fact-checking, and verification while adopting practical digital security measures such as encrypting devices, password protection, and safeguarding confidential sources.

On misinformation and disinformation, panelists encouraged journalists to resist the pressure to publish unverified reports for speed or online traction.

“Don’t always rush to break news without verifying the facts. Trust is built through consistency, research, and cross-checking information,” one panelist advised.

The discussion also addressed concerns around Nigeria’s cyberstalking laws, with legal experts cautioning journalists to ensure all published information is factual, evidence-based, and defensible.

Participants were advised to maintain proper documentation trails, verify all claims, and avoid reliance on hearsay or unconfirmed digital content.

The training, organised in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, is part of ongoing UK-backed efforts to strengthen journalism standards and media freedom in Nigeria.

Baxter encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and continue championing accountability journalism.

“Thank you for the work you do every day and for your commitment to advancing press freedom in Nigeria,” he said.