Technology
AfCTFA Will Benefit FinTechs—FG Assures
By Adedapo Adesanya
Financial technology companies (FinTechs) will benefit massively from the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), says Nigeria’s National Action Committee on AfCFTA.
The team, which is in Lagos on a visit to sensitise stakeholders in the media, manufacturing, trade, and financial services sector, said the deal will help all members get preferential market access over non-members.
According to Mr Francis Anatogu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Sector Matters, the agreement hopes to create a single market for well-produced goods and services on the continent.
He added that the adopted multilateral contract will afford signatory countries access to a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.4 trillion.
“With over 1.27 billion consumers and an aggregate GDP of $3.4 trillion, which AfCFTA is expected to help deliver, we are convinced that this will be a game-changer for the African business community, which Lagos state and Nigeria currently plays a leading role.
“We, therefore, encourage fintechs to take advantage of this initiative,” Mr Anatogu said.
Speaking on the timeline for the delivery of the deal, Mr Anatogu, who doubles as the Secretary of the National Action Committee, explained that it was a gradual process that would be delivered over time.
The AfCFTA agreement requires members to remove tariffs from 90 per cent of goods traded, allowing free access to commodities, goods, and services across the continent and the elimination of tariffs could boost trade in Africa by 15-25 per cent in the medium term.
Answering questions on the likely impact of this on the country’s revenue generation, Mr Anatogu explained that over time, the country would get on its feet as AfcFTA fits into Nigeria’s economic diversification objectives because it provides huge export opportunities on the continent for products manufactured in Nigeria and services rendered by local businesses.
He added that there was the situation of increased variety as imports become easier and cheaper, consumers will gain access to a variety of products that are inexpensive as tough competition will make countries produce more products they are most efficient at.
Lagos Commits to AfCFTA
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday pledged its readiness to AfCFTA after a delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said, “I assure you that Lagos is not just the commercial or economic nerve centre by mouth, it’s also so that we can take that leadership role in the comity of states and lead effectively. We need to scale up infrastructure, capability to be able to take full advantage of what the entire African economy has to offer our country and state.
“With almost a billion population and a total Gross Domestic Product, GDP that is over 3 trillion I think it’s a ready-made market for us as a nation and in Lagos, in particular, to be able to take advantage.
“It’s no small feat being the largest cosmopolitan in Africa and we do not take it for granted, we know that we can be home to everybody and so we want to build that capacity which can only be possible if we have enough infrastructure and understanding what is expected of us.
“Over the weekend, we inspected the Lekki ports and see the things we are doing at the free trade zones. We looked at the refinery and fertilizer plants and all the opportunities that abound in the zone.
“Lagos indeed is getting ready because of the ports, which create about 20 to 30 per cent of GDP ( for big economies). Lekki port will open up Nigeria to international and African businesses more, both for import and export.
“The Apapa and Tincan Ports can only take 4,000 MTUs as the biggest vessel that can come there but the Lekki port, once completed by last quarter next year, is 18,000 MTU that’s about four times. This means that in both ways we can receive a lot more imputes and take more.
“So, mark to business will be quicker and faster and we see also developing the entire infrastructure that is required to do this business, road, power and extensive community engagement so that they are ready and able to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“We are happy it’s still a 5 to 10 years first phase, and we know that though we don’t have all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted, but in another 12 months, am sure Lagos will be fully ready. “We are also intervening in power, off-grid capacities, buying meters for our people so that we can be ready.
“This is the largest investment in fintech in Africa, we are not just collaborating with the private sector, we are also enabling startups on a yearly basis, we will approve another set for some of our tech startups, granting them funding as seed for them to come up with creative ideas, some of them even get international recognition, so we are getting ready on all platforms.
“We are building another terminal at the airport, thanks to the federal government, and this attracts a sizeable percentage of international travel.
“We are doing a 3000 kilometres metropolitan fibre optics connectivity to grid Lagos. Once we get this right. What is required for telecom companies, small businesses, to rise and use it for security, health services, education and other platforms that can be the future that we see?
“Our vision and programs sit with what AfCFTA is all about and we see your committee as partners. We want our people to think local but act global so they can have the opportunity to send their goods and products to every part of Africa and the world.
“We will work with your team, set up a local action committee where we can have a one-stop-shop for the private sector on information, guidelines, understanding what is expected of them so that this thing can take footing quickly and Nigeria can take its full benefit.
“We want others to enjoy the benefits, but we are not a big nation for nothing. We want to take the full benefits but also to open our markets for others to access.”
The Rise of AI Face Swap Technology
AI face swap technology has evolved from a novelty into a powerful creative tool. What once required professional video editing software and hours of manual work can now be done in seconds with a single click. Fueled by advances in deep learning and generative AI, face swap tools have become remarkably realistic and accessible. By 2026, millions of content creators, marketers, filmmakers, and everyday users rely on these tools for entertainment, business, and personal projects. As the technology matures, choosing the right tool has never been more important — or more competitive.
How to Use AI Face Swap in Your Work and Daily Life
AI face swap tools are no longer just for fun — they’re reshaping how we work and communicate:
- Content Creation & Social Media: Swap faces to create viral memes, funny videos, or personalized content that drives engagement on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Marketing & Advertising: Brands use face swap to localize ad campaigns by replacing models with regional faces, saving time and budget on reshoots.
- Film & Video Production: Indie filmmakers use AI face swap for de-aging effects, stunt doubles, or recreating scenes without expensive CGI.
- E-Commerce & Fashion: Virtual try-on experiences let shoppers see how they’d look in different outfits or hairstyles.
- Personal Fun: Swap your face onto movie characters, historical figures, or your favorite celebrities for entertaining social content.
- Education & Training: Create realistic training simulations or educational videos with customized faces.
How to Judge a Good AI Face Swap Tool
Not all face swap tools are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Realism & Quality: Smooth blending, accurate skin tone matching, and consistent lighting.
- Speed: Results in seconds, not minutes.
- Ease of Use: An intuitive interface for non-technical users.
- Privacy & Security: Clear data policy — no storing images without consent.
- Multi-Format Support: Handles photos, videos, and real-time swaps.
- Customization Options: Fine-tuning for expression, angle, and lighting.
- Pricing & Value: Transparent pricing with a free tier or trial.
Part 4: Top 5 AI Face Swap Tools in 2026
🥇 1. Easemate — Best Overall Pick
Website: https://www.easemate.ai/
🔑 Key Features: Supports photo & video face swapping with real-time preview, batch processing, automatic skin tone matching, intelligent lighting adjustment, and multi-face detection for group photos. Privacy-first design — images are never stored without consent.
✅ Pros: Exceptional realism with accurate edge detection and shadow rendering. Lightning-fast even for HD video. Beginner-friendly interface with zero technical knowledge required. Flexible, affordable pricing for individuals and teams. Strong privacy policy for peace of mind.
❌ Cons: Batch video processing and 4K export require a paid plan.
2. DeepFaceLab — Best for Advanced Users & Filmmakers
🔑 Key Features: Deep neural network-based swaps with full control over face alignment, blending modes, mask refinement, and custom model training on personal datasets.
✅ Pros: Completely free and open-source. Unmatched customization for experienced users. Huge active community with tutorials and pre-trained models. Ideal for long-form video and cinematic-quality projects.
❌ Cons: Steep learning curve, requires high-performance GPU, no cloud version.
3. Reface — Best for Fun & Social Media
🔑 Key Features: Mobile-first app with a massive library of celebrity clips, movie scenes, GIFs, and meme templates. Real-time facial landmark mapping and one-tap social sharing to Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp.
✅ Pros: Extremely easy to use — just take a selfie and pick a template. Library updated regularly with trending pop culture content. Perfect for casual entertainment and viral social content.
❌ Cons: Mobile only; not suitable for professional or high-resolution output.
4. FaceSwapper.ai — Best for Quick, No-Fuss Photo Swaps
🔑 Key Features: Browser-based, one-click photo face swap with no account required. Supports JPG, PNG, and WEBP formats. Developer-friendly API for app integration and automated workflows.
✅ Pros: Zero-signup experience — incredibly accessible for one-off tasks. Fast, straightforward, and frictionless. Robust API for developers needing programmatic access.
❌ Cons: Limited video support and fewer customization options. Best for simple, single-image use cases.
5. Vidnoz AI — Best All-in-One Video Platform
🔑 Key Features: Full video creation suite including face swap, AI avatar generation, text-to-video, voice cloning, lip-sync dubbing, and multilingual video translation. Face swap integrates seamlessly with the broader production workflow.
✅ Pros: Outstanding value as a multi-function platform. Solid video output quality with regular improvements. Generous free tier available. Great for businesses producing localized or multilingual video content at scale.
❌ Cons: Face swap is a secondary feature — lacks the depth and advanced controls of dedicated tools.
Part 5: Conclusion
AI face swap in 2026 is smarter and more accessible than ever. Among all options, Easemate stands out as the best all-around choice — combining professional-grade quality with an effortless experience and a privacy-first approach. Start with Easemate today.
Part 6: FAQ
Q1: Is AI face swap legal?
Yes, for personal and creative use. Using it for deception or non-consensual imagery is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Q2: Is Easemate free?
It offers a free tier; premium plans unlock batch processing and high-res video output.
Q3: Can these tools work on videos?
Yes — Easemate, DeepFaceLab, and Vidnoz AI all support video face swapping.
Q4: How do I protect my privacy?
Choose platforms with clear privacy policies. Easemate is known for its privacy-first approach.
Q5: Photo vs. video face swap — what’s the difference?
Photo swap is faster and simpler. Video requires frame-by-frame processing but delivers more impressive results.
Q6: Do I need technical skills?
Not at all! Tools like Easemate are designed for everyday users — just upload and let the AI handle the rest.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked country in the latest Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), climbing 42 places globally in just two years.
Nigeria rose from 80th globally in 2024 to 38th in the world with a score of 45.93.
The GIRIA ranking boosts Nigeria’s appeal as a destination for AI talent, innovation and investment.
According to the Cape Town-based independent research and policy think tank, the ranking is one of the world’s most comprehensive assessments of responsible AI. It evaluates 135 countries across five pillars: inclusion and diversity, ethics and sustainability, labour and skills, trust and safety, and AI use in public services.
Despite that rapid adoption, the report found that public governance capacity remains weak. Average GIRAI scores stand at only about 35 out of 100 globally, while evidence of implementation exists in just 55 per cent of countries with responsible AI frameworks, dropping to 45% across the Global South.
Nigeria’s rise reflects deliberate policy efforts to strengthen its AI ecosystem.
According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, the government has accelerated work on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), expanded digital public infrastructure, invested in digital skills, developed governance frameworks for emerging technologies, and strengthened international partnerships to ensure AI is deployed responsibly.
“This recognition is a testament to Nigeria’s deliberate efforts to build an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with our development priorities,” he said.
“We believe that Africa must not only participate in the AI revolution but also contribute meaningfully to shaping how these technologies are governed and deployed globally.
“Our focus remains on creating the infrastructure, talent, and policy environment that will enable AI to deliver real value for our people and support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy,” he added.
The report identified Nigeria as a global “Bright Spot” for combining AI skills development with safeguards for children and vulnerable groups.
The index noted that Nigeria is among the few African countries that have attempted to simultaneously prepare citizens for an AI-driven future while strengthening protections against the risks posed by emerging technologies.
It highlighted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which mandates AI literacy programmes, teacher training and broader capacity-building initiatives across the country.
The report also cited the Federal Government’s flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme for delivering structured AI and machine learning training through a hybrid model designed to reach young people nationwide.
In terms of regulation, GIRAI recognised the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 for introducing enhanced safeguards for children’s personal data, including parental consent requirements and restrictions on decisions based solely on automated processing.
The report said these initiatives position Nigeria as an example of how governments can pursue AI adoption without overlooking digital rights and citizen protection.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The need for accessible, affordable and locally relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive Africa’s digital future has been emphasised by the Managing Director of ipNX, Mr Ejovi Aror.
Mr Aror, whose paper was presented by the company’s Director of Strategic Business Initiatives, Mr Olusola Teniola, at the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) on June 18, 2028, said AI is not a new concept, but has been in existence since 1955 and is an integral part of today’s digital ecosystem, with intelligent algorithms already embedded in so-called ‘traditional’ telecommunications networks and services.
At the event held in Lagos, Mr Aror, in his paper titled Next-G Telecoms Infrastructure and Ethical AI in Networking Management, stated that, “Artificial Intelligence already shapes how networks are managed, optimised, and secured. The conversation is not about whether AI will transform telecommunications, but how we can ensure that its benefits are responsibly deployed.”
He emphasised that while Africa may not have played a leading role during the earliest stages of AI development, the continent still has a significant opportunity to shape the next phase of innovation by developing technologies that address local challenges and realities.
“Africa does not need to be solely a consumer of AI technologies developed elsewhere. There is a unique opportunity to build solutions that reflect our local contexts, address our specific needs, and create value for our economies and communities,” he stated.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in AI deployment, particularly as intelligent systems become increasingly involved in network operations, service delivery, decision-making processes, and customer interactions.
Mr Aror stressed that the development of AI must be guided by principles of transparency, accountability, privacy, and inclusivity to ensure that innovation delivers meaningful benefits to society.
He further noted that the success of AI across Africa will depend on continued investment in digital infrastructure, including broadband connectivity, data centres, cloud platforms, and reliable telecommunications networks capable of supporting advanced digital services.
The discussions at WATISE 2026 reinforced the strategic importance of the telecommunications industry as the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy. While stakeholders highlighted the role of telecom infrastructure in enabling innovation across various sectors, participants underscored the need for improved digital literacy, public awareness, and responsible use of emerging technologies.
ipNX was recognised at the event as the Best Customer-centric Telecoms Operator. As Nigeria’s leading technology and connectivity provider, the brand remains committed to advancing the infrastructure, innovation, and collaborative partnerships required to unlock the full potential of AI and support Africa’s digital transformation.
