The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Miriam Olusanya, has said leadership, technology, and inclusion will define the future of finance in Nigeria and across Africa.

She made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 marquee event of the Association of Professional Women Bankers, themed “Disrupting Finance: Women Driving Innovation, Inclusion & Scale.”

Olusanya said while digital tools are transforming banking, the real driver of sustainable progress will be the quality of leadership guiding those innovations.

“The future of finance will not be defined by technology alone, but by the quality of leadership guiding that technology,” she said.

She added that leadership must balance growth with discipline, build trust, and adopt long-term thinking in an increasingly short-term world.

Why it matters

Africa’s financial sector is undergoing rapid change, driven by fintech growth, mobile banking, and increased digital adoption.

However, experts say gaps in trust, access, and governance still limit how far innovation can go.

Olusanya argued that technology must serve a clear purpose—expanding access, simplifying banking, and helping institutions operate at scale.

“Technology must expand access, simplify engagement, and enable institutions to serve customers more efficiently,” she said.

Inclusion as a growth strategy

Olusanya highlighted financial inclusion as a key pillar of growth rather than just a social goal.

She stressed that women, in particular, play a critical role in expanding financial systems.

“When a woman gains access to finance, household income stability improves… and entire communities become more resilient,” she said.

She warned that ignoring underserved groups represents a missed economic opportunity for banks and policymakers.

Strength of institutions and trust

Beyond innovation, Olusanya pointed to the importance of strong financial institutions.

She said scale and long-term impact depend on governance, operational discipline, and credibility.

“Financial systems are built on trust, and trust cannot be improvised. It must be earned, reinforced, and protected over time,” she added.

Barriers facing women in finance

Despite progress, Olusanya acknowledged persistent barriers limiting women’s impact in finance and fintech.

These include cultural restrictions, limited access to digital tools, and underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making roles.

“If we are serious about disruption, we must be serious about dismantling these barriers,” she said.

She called for more women in leadership, investment committees, and policy-making positions, noting that representation influences who benefits from innovation.

Industry perspective

Analysts say her remarks reflect a broader shift in African banking, where institutions are moving beyond profit-driven models toward inclusive growth strategies.

Financial experts also note that closing the digital gender gap could unlock billions in economic value across the continent.

What’s next

Industry observers expect banks to increasingly invest in:

Digital infrastructure and fintech partnerships

Women-focused financial products

Financial literacy and inclusion programmes

Governance and institutional strengthening

As Africa’s financial ecosystem evolves, stakeholders say the balance between innovation, trust, and inclusion will determine long-term success.

Polaris Bank has announced funding for the full renovation of a historic faculty building at University of Ibadan, in a move aimed at strengthening higher education infrastructure and human capital development.

Why it matters

The Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences building has played a central role in training Nigeria’s financial and academic leaders for over four decades.

Originally donated in 1985 by the defunct International Bank for West Africa, the facility has hosted postgraduate programmes and supported hundreds of students in economics-related fields.

However, ageing infrastructure has increasingly limited its effectiveness, reflecting a wider challenge across Nigerian universities where outdated facilities affect teaching and research quality.

What Polaris Bank is doing

The bank says the renovation will transform the building into a modern learning environment, with upgraded lecture theatres, improved amenities and enhanced research spaces.

The project is expected to be completed within six weeks.

At a cheque presentation ceremony held last Thursday, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Kayode Lawal, represented by the Head of Retail Banking, Njideka Nwabueze, highlighted the broader significance of the intervention.

“Education is the most powerful catalyst for national transformation,” she said.

“By renovating this historic Faculty building, we are not only preserving a proud institutional legacy, but also creating a conducive, inspiring space for the next generation of economists, bankers, accountants, and financial experts who will shape Nigeria’s economic future.”

She added that the investment goes beyond physical upgrades.

“This project reflects our deep belief in investing in the minds that will drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and leadership across the nation and beyond.”

Wider impact on education and economy

Education experts say such interventions are critical as Nigeria seeks to build a knowledge-driven economy.

Investment in facilities for disciplines like economics, banking and accounting can help improve the quality of graduates entering the financial sector.

For students, improved infrastructure often translates to better learning experiences, stronger research output and increased global competitiveness.

The initiative also aligns with global development targets, including Quality Education and Economic Growth, which aim to improve access to inclusive and effective learning systems.

Industry and public perspective

Analysts note that private sector involvement is becoming increasingly important in addressing funding gaps in Nigeria’s education sector.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects like this one are seen as a way for financial institutions to contribute to long-term economic stability by investing in talent development.

Students and faculty are also expected to benefit directly from improved teaching environments, which could enhance academic performance and research capacity.

What’s next

The renovation is scheduled for completion within six weeks, after which the facility will resume full academic use.

Polaris Bank says it plans to continue partnering with institutions like the University of Ibadan to support education and bridge infrastructure deficits.

The Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service have pledged stronger cooperation to improve port security and trade operations at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal in Lagos.

This follows a courtesy visit by the Commander of the Materials Clearing and Inspection Office (MCIO), Nigerian Navy Apapa, Captain U.S. Akoh, to the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command on Thursday, 26 March 2026.

The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in cargo monitoring, information sharing, and overall maritime security.

Officials from both agencies said closer cooperation is essential to ensure seamless port operations and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.

Why it matters

Ports are critical to Nigeria’s economy, handling the bulk of imports and exports.

Improved coordination between security agencies could reduce delays, curb smuggling, and boost government revenue.

It may also strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

‘Government agencies must work as one’

Speaking during the visit, Captain Akoh stressed the importance of unity among government institutions.

“Government institutions are like parts of one body where each unit plays a vital role and cannot function effectively without the other.”

He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its professionalism and role in trade facilitation and revenue generation.

“Collective effort remains key to achieving national objectives.”

Customs pledges continued partnership

In response, the Customs Area Controller welcomed the Navy delegation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation.

“The Command remains committed to working closely with partner agencies to strengthen security, promote compliance, and ensure efficient port operations.”

Industry perspective

Maritime analysts say improved collaboration between agencies like the Navy and Customs is long overdue.

They argue that overlapping responsibilities and poor coordination have historically slowed port operations.

Stronger partnerships, they say, could lead to faster cargo clearance and reduced costs for businesses.

What’s next

Both agencies say the visit marks a renewed commitment to sustained collaboration.

The meeting ended with an exchange of plaques, symbolising strengthened ties and a shared goal of safer and more efficient maritime operations.