The Alternative Bank and TK Tech Africa are poised to transform the landscape of financial technology and non-interest banking in Nigeria through their innovative $500 million Digital Sukuk initiative.
This partnership is pioneering the use of blockchain technology for the issuance, trading, and settlement of Sukuk bonds, championing ethical and Sharia-compliant investments in the country. Group head of Structured Trade & Commodities Finance at The Alternative Bank, Gbenga Awe emphasised the Banks foremost position as a bank-tech, leveraging its digital innovations and competencies in the financial services sector.
Awe underscored the Banks efforts to create wealth by developing digital products for everyone interested in commodities and precious metals. According to him, the initiative will allow anyone to invest in the commodities market through tokenized alternative assets, providing unprecedented flexibility and accessibility.
He affirmed that the Banks involvement goes beyond just digital, saying, “we are deeply engaged in the agricultural sector, with significant assets like cocoa, soybeans, sesame, precious metals, and warehousing facilities. Showcasing the Banks preparedness to support the Sukuk initiative with tangible, real assets”.
Founder and CEO of TK Tech Africa, Oludamola Akindolire said “we are setting a new benchmark for financial innovation in Africa, offering an ethical investment avenue through the synergy of Islamic finance and blockchain technology”.
Akindolire highlighted the initiatives target demographic as urban middle- to high-income Nigerians aged 25 to 60, highlighting its role in fostering inclusive economic growth.
The initiative has received accolades from various industry leaders. The managing director and CEO of Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale commended The Alternative Bank for bringing significant assets to the table, underscoring the importance of engaging the youth in gold investment.
Managing director and CEO of the NASD OTC Securities Exchange, Eguarekhide Longe expressed optimism about the initiatives potential, stressing the importance of raising awareness for its success.
The $500 million Digital Sukuk initiative by The Alternative Bank and TK Tech Africa marks a significant stride towards integrating Islamic finance with blockchain technology in Nigeria. Focused on ethical investments and leveraging the banks digital and commodity finance expertise, this partnership promises to enrich Nigerias economic fabric and herald a new age of financial innovation.
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
