An International Press Conference and Electronic Signing Ceremony which will involve Nigerian IT giant TelNet Nigeria Ltd and Global Integrated Fintech Solutions (GIFTS) and IPayAnywhere (Global), two dynamic Barbados companies, represents a signature event in relations between Barbados and Nigeria and by extension Barbados’ agenda to build commercial bridges with the continent of Africa in general.

It was on April 24th, 1970 that the two countries established diplomatic relations.

Today’s Ceremony, hosted by Barbados High Commission, Ghana and Caribbean Export, in collaboration with Export Barbados/BIDC and CBC TV Channel 8, marks another milestone in a period during which both countries have worked with tenacity and purpose to explore potentially exciting business opportunities.

TelNet Nigeria Ltd is a digital transformation development company, whose clients include the government of Nigeria and several large and medium size commercial banks and major private sector companies across Nigeria.

Global Integrated Fintech Solutions is a global fintech company with offices in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the United States, offering solutions that include core banking, card processing, mCommerce, Cyber Security, Prepaid and Credit Card processing services, plus the One Africa/Caribbean Card.

IPayAnywhere(Global) makes it easy and convenient for merchants and consumers alike to send or receive payments from the convenience of their mobile phones, laptops or any other mobile device.

Commenting on the initiative, Senator The Honourable Dr. Jerome Walcott, Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said he welcomed this cross border private sector partnership between TelNet and GIFTS and IPayAnywhere of Barbados. “It is pleasing that this is in the transactional business and Fintech arenas. Both areas of immense potential for our countries, with emphasis on processing integrity, signals a future of innovation aimed at making commerce easy and secure. This is indeed exciting. I trust that this partnership sets the necessary standards and be an enduring asset that others will seek to follow.”

Mr. Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director, Caribbean Export described the partnership of the three companies as a clear indication of the opportunities for commercial relationships between the Caribbean and Africa. It is time that we translate our inextricable historical and cultural connections into business opportunities for the people of Africa and the Caribbean. Rising Africa represents a bright new frontier for Caribbean business. We at Caribbean Export are committed to help deepen the business relationships between the Caribbean and Africa.”

Mr. Mark Hill, CEO, Export Barbados/BIDC, said the occasion constitutes a milestone which takes Barbados’ entrepreneurship to a new level. “Export Barbados/BIDC is thrilled to be associated with this venture between TelNet, GIFTS & IPayAnywhere, which opens up a tremendous export market opportunity for Barbados in West Africa. As I indicated before, Export Barbados/BIDC is pivoting and our focus is exclusively Export oriented; everything we do is geared towards and supports exports for Barbados entrepreneurs and companies. Our support for this initiative is aligned with our strategy for the African market which represents a priority market for Export Barbados/BIDC”