This April, CardForté turns five. And in Nigeria’s business environment, that’s no small feat. In a space where companies are constantly navigating foreign exchange swings, power challenges, and shifting regulations, reaching a five-year milestone is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a story of resilience, discipline, and staying power. For CardForté, it’s also a moment to reflect.

Founded in 2021 and based in Lekki, the company has steadily grown into one of the quiet forces supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.

While much of the spotlight has been on fintech apps and digital platforms, CardForté has been working behind the scenes, producing the physical tools that power that ecosystem, from payment cards to identity solutions. In just five years, the company has produced over 27 million cards for more than 150 clients, many of them fintechs and first-time issuers.

Through these partnerships, CardForté has indirectly supported financial access for over 20 million Nigerians, particularly those who are underserved. Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Co-founder and Director, Tunde Aka-Bashorun, kept things grounded.