By Kenneth Oboh

In this exclusive interview, Kabir Shittu, a seasoned business manager, co-founder of Sudo Africa, and Managing Director of SafeHaven MFB, shares his unique insights into the Nigerian AI and FinTech landscape. With over 12 years of experience driving business growth and innovation, Kabir has become a key figure in the intersection of technology and finance. Today, he sits down with us to discuss where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we’re going in the world of FinTech and AI in Nigeria.

Kabir, tell us about your background and what led you to the AI and FinTech space?

My journey into AI and FinTech is rooted in my passion for numbers and data. I’ve always had an interest in numbers and data, which led me to study statistics as my 1st and 2nd in both Kaduna Polytechnic and the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After that, I worked in several industries, including banking, where I started my career at Unity Bank, before moving to UBA, GTBank, BankPHB & eventually Diamond Bank. Afterwards, I transitioned into the financial services industry, working in various roles.

What really excites me about the AI and FinTech space is its ability to change how we interact with finance. When you combine technology with finance, the impact is immediate. It can drive financial inclusion, solve problems like financial literacy, and bring people who were previously excluded from the formal financial system into the fold.

How did the idea for Sudo Africa come about, and what exactly does it do?

Sudo Africa was born from the realization that AI could significantly improve how businesses operate in Africa. I co-founded the company in 2020 with a vision to leverage artificial intelligence to make business operations more efficient, especially in sectors like financial services, e-commerce, and the business landscape in general. Our goal is to help businesses scale while ensuring that customer experience remains seamless.

I’ve always believed in the power of technology to solve problems, and through Sudo Africa, we aim to provide AI-driven solutions that simplify processes, enhance decision-making, and help businesses grow.

Looking at the present, where do you think AI and FinTech are in Nigeria today?

Nigeria’s FinTech ecosystem has made great strides in the past few years. When I first started working in the industry, it was a challenge to convince people that digital payments could be trusted. Fast forward to today, and things have changed dramatically. The acceptance of digital banking and payments has skyrocketed.

The real progress has been in the growth of mobile money platforms, online lending, and the rise of peer-to-peer (P2P) systems. Today, there are a lot of solutions in the market that cater to both consumers and businesses, which is fantastic. But with this rapid growth, there are still challenges like cybersecurity, fraud detection, user verification, validation, and credit checks, in addition to the need for clearer regulations. We’re still evolving, but the potential for even greater impact is enormous.

So, where do you see Nigeria’s AI and FinTech sector in the next 5 to 10 years?

I’m really optimistic about the future. In the next 5 to 10 years, Nigeria could become a hub for AI and FinTech innovation in Africa. Mobile internet penetration is increasing, and as we start solving some of the infrastructure and regulatory issues, Nigeria will likely see an explosion in tech-driven financial services. I see AI becoming deeply integrated into our everyday financial lives, whether it’s helping us manage things such as facilitating payments, savings, improving lending models, or making financial planning easier.

We’re also on the cusp of huge growth in blockchain technology and decentralized finance. With the right ecosystem in place, Nigeria can lead the continent in developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies that solve real-world problems.

What challenges have you faced in your journey within this space?

I’ll be honest, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. One of the hardest parts of building a business in the AI and FinTech space is balancing innovation with the realities of the market. There’s always the temptation to chase the latest trends, but you must also remember that every market, especially one as unique as Nigeria’s, requires tailored solutions.

When we started, securing funding was tough, and scaling a business in an emerging market like Nigeria requires constant adaptability. But the challenges taught me invaluable lessons—lessons on the importance of patience, building strong teams, and being flexible in the face of setbacks.

How do you see the role of leadership in shaping the future of AI and FinTech in Nigeria?

Leadership is critical, especially in a sector that’s evolving so rapidly. As leaders, we must focus on building ecosystems where innovation can thrive, but also where collaboration is encouraged. We need more partnerships between tech startups, established financial institutions, and government bodies. If we work together, we can overcome the regulatory and infrastructure challenges that hold back growth.

I also think it’s important for those of us who are further along in our careers to mentor and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. There’s a lot of potential here in Nigeria, and part of my role is to help guide the young talent entering the space, whether through mentorship or collaboration.

What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?

Right now, I’m very focused on expanding the work we’re doing at Sudo Africa and SafeHaven MFB. At Sudo Africa, we are working to provide businesses with AI-driven tools that help improve the efficiency of businesses. We’re also collaborating with several players in the FinTech space to integrate artificial intelligence into payment solutions that can scale across Africa. This new innovation called Digital First Cards, is set to revolutionize the payment landscape in Nigeria and Africa.

Beyond that, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for young Nigerians to get involved in AI and FinTech. In the next few years, I want to see Nigeria emerge as a true leader in the digital economy, not just in Africa, but globally. My personal goal is to continue contributing to that vision by supporting startups, driving innovation, and creating pathways for talent.

Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs in the AI and FinTech space?

If you want to succeed in this space, you need to be prepared to take risks. AI and FinTech are fast-moving industries, and things change quickly. The key is to stay curious, keep learning, and adapt as you go. It’s also important to have a clear vision of the problems you want to solve and stay focused on that goal.

But above all, don’t be afraid to fail. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. The road to success is not always smooth, but if you stay committed and work hard, the rewards can be massive.

Where do you see your work and brand in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see myself driving digital transformation beyond Nigeria, expanding across Africa. Currently, I’m collaborating with key partners in the U.S. to onboard and scale operations, leveraging AI for seamless user verification. My vision is to build and support businesses that solve real-world problems, create lasting impact, and contribute to Africa’s evolving tech ecosystem—fostering innovation that is both profitable and socially responsible.