Beyond The Award: A Deep Dive With HorizonPay’s Peter Kwakpovwe On Innovation And Impact

Sequel to the celebration of HorizonPay’s second anniversary, we had the privilege of chatting with Peter Kwakpovwe, a senior manager and recipient of the prestigious CEO Unit Performance Award about his journey to success. In this exclusive interview, Peter shares insights into his professional journey, his contributions to HorizonPay’s success, his vision for the company’s future, and some other plans he has for work and nation building beyond his corporate work.

Congratulations on winning the CEO Unit Performance Award at HorizonPay! Can you tell us about yourself and your role at HorizonPay?

Thank you for having me, it is a privilege, and honour to have won this award. I am immensely grateful. My name is Peter Kwakpovwe, I drive strategy as the Head of Product and Innovation at HorizonPay. My everyday role is centered around ensuring the health and viability of our product. This involves constantly asking critical questions such as: Is our product still viable? Is it effectively meeting our customers’ needs? Are there threats posed by competition that we need to address? And importantly, does our product continue to align with our company’s vision and strategy? These questions and more form the backbone of my daily responsibilities, guiding our efforts in innovation and product development to serve our customers better and maintain our competitive edge in the market.

Can you share with us your thoughts on this recognition, and how it feels to be honoured for your contributions?

The COO unit excellence award that my unit received is a testament to our team’s dedication to meeting and exceeding business expectations in a dynamic market. This recognition stems from our capability to surpass customer expectations in delivering optimal value. As the Head of Product, I am extremely honoured to be associated with this award. it is also crucial to acknowledge that this achievement is not individual but a collective effort. The credit truly belongs to the entire team—those who have tirelessly participated in daily stand-ups, resolved bugs, conducted tests, and more. By leading my team and managing product operations efficiently, I helped create an environment that enabled our team to effectively collaborate and innovate, leading directly to the accomplishments that earned us this award.

With HorizonPay’s vision of providing innovative payment solutions to exceed customer needs, can you highlight any specific projects or developments you’ve been involved in that align with this vision?

One of the key products I have been involved with is HorizonPay’s top-notch agency banking and merchant services platform – 9raPoint, which enables retail outlets serving as agents to do basic banking services, while merchant services use the application strictly for payments collection. Also, I have been part of the team that built a backdoor system that allows us to settle customers for failed transactions in the quickest time possible while taking up the issue with the regulator for resolution. This innovation ensures that issues relating to trapped customers’ funds are swiftly resolved. This quick approach has renewed customers confidence in our operations and truly sets us apart as a leader in customer-focused payment solutions. These projects and developments not only align with HorizonPay’s vision but also establish our role as one of the fore-runners in the Nigeria’s payment industry, consistently pushing the boundaries to better serve our customers and transform the market landscape.

Can you share some insights into your journey and how it led you to your current position?

I started out my career as a growth manager, working in traditional sales and marketing within the telecommunications industry back in the year 2009. Given my rising interest in tech and the demands of the businesses I led in the years that followed, I took on more product-led roles in the fintech sector. Working in tech, I became an integral part of the product team, balancing these new responsibilities and gaining a deeper understanding of both the user’s needs and the strategic options available to improve our products for better outcomes. My current role at HorizonPay perfectly aligns with my expertise in the fintech value chain, allowing me to leverage my extensive background to enhance our product offerings and ensure they not only meet the current market demands but also anticipate future trends. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, providing me with numerous opportunities to impact our products and the broader market significantly.

Prior to HorizonPay, can you share with us other instance where you’ve achieved success and have been recognised for it?

In 2017, while working as a regional manager at Cellulant, I was awarded the “COO Performance Award” in recognition of my operational excellence and ability to drive growth across my territory. The following year, in 2018, I played a pivotal role in helping Cellulant secure $47 million in seed funding. My contributions to this high-stakes investment round demonstrated my exceptional financial expertise and deal-making skills, cementing my value to the organization. In 2019, I was recognised as the “RPI Sponsor of the Year.” for my generosity and commitment to the mission of Reach the Peak Initiative (RPI) – a non-profit focused on empowering underprivileged youth in Nigeria through education and skills development programs, which allowed the organization to expand its reach and deepen its impact. In the year 2020, I was awarded an “Outstanding Team Leader.” at Zebrra HQ – A startup fintech based in Lagos. Throughout all these years, I have consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive impact, whether through my philanthropic work, visionary leadership, or financial acumen. These accolades and accomplishments are a testament to my multifaceted talents and my unwavering commitment to making a difference in the organizations and communities I’ve been a part of.

Beyond your work at HP, are there other areas of Impact you are invested in?

Oh! yes, social impact and giving back to my community have long been passions of mine beyond my work in the tech industry. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved with a number of non-profit initiatives dedicated to uplifting underserved youth and driving progress in Nigeria. One organization that’s particularly close to my heart is the Reach the Peak Initiative (RPI). Through RPI, I’ve had the privilege of sponsoring the education and development of countless children and young adults living in low-income communities across Nigeria. From providing scholarships and school supplies, to funding skills training and mentorship programs, RPI’s work has been instrumental in opening doors of opportunity for so many promising young minds. I’ve also partnered extensively with the Leading Kids Program (LKP), an incredible non-profit focused on fostering holistic child development in Ogun State, Nigeria. Through LKP, I’ve been able to support initiatives ranging from early childhood education, to health and nutrition programs, to extracurricular activities that nurture creativity and well-being. And on the tech front, I’m deeply passionate about driving innovation and progress in Nigeria. I’ve worked closely with various EdTech start-ups to establish scholarship funds and training programs that equip young Nigerians with critical digital skills. It’s been incredibly rewarding to play a role in democratizing access to transformative educational technology.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for HorizonPay in the coming years, and how do you envision your role in achieving those goals?

Looking ahead, I anticipate a promising and daring environment that pushes one to be better at HorizonPay, especially in terms of innovation and value delivery. As we continue to grow and evolve, the need to maintain our leadership position in the market and push the boundaries of what’s possible in payment solutions will undoubtedly increase. In response to these demands, my commitment to support HorizonPay through the rapidly changing landscape of financial technology will remain unwavering. In the coming years, I envision that we will deepen our market penetration and expand our services into new territories. I will play an integral role in this expansion by driving strategic initiatives, and nurturing partnerships that align with our long-term goals. Through these efforts, I am committed to solidifying HorizonPay’s reputation as a leader in innovative payment solutions that reliably exceed customer expectations.

What advice would you give aspiring professionals in attaining the pinnacle of their careers?

I’d say, it takes a lot of handwork, diligence and courage to reach one’s peak; but at the end of the day, you may find that it’s really simple. Firstly, one must develop an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and growth. Make a habit of seeking out new challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone – that’s where the greatest opportunities for breakthrough and advancement lie. Secondly, cultivate a strong sense of purpose and integrity. It’s not enough to simply chase titles or accolades. The most successful professionals are those driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact, whether through the products and services they deliver, the teams they build, or the positive change they catalyse in their communities. Stay true to your values and let them guide your decisions. Thirdly, build a diverse and collaborative network. No one achieves greatness alone. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and talented team members who can challenge your thinking, provide fresh perspectives, and support your ambitions. Seek out opportunities to cross-pollinate ideas and leverage collective expertise. And perhaps most importantly, never lose sight of work-life balance and your own well-being. A burnout executive is of little use to anyone.

Thank you for your time on this chat with us.

Oh! Absolutely. The pleasure is mine.

Thank you for the great work you do as well.