Paystack unveils AI-powered payments tools

Paystack has launched Paystack Index, an experimental AI-powered payments tool, enabling users in Nigeria to complete everyday transactions through AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude.

The product allows users to buy airtime, send money via Zap by Paystack and order food from Chowdeck using simple text prompts. Instead of switching between multiple apps, users can instruct an AI assistant to execute transactions directly.

Paystack Index acts as a bridge between AI agents, merchants and Paystack’s payments infrastructure while ensuring users retain control of authorised transactions.

The company said it does not store sensitive financial information such as card details, PINs or bank account credentials.

Developed with support from TSG Labs, Paystack’s innovation arm, the product builds on Paystack Checkout and Zap and forms part of the company’s broader work on AI-enabled commerce.

It is initially available to selected Zap users in Nigeria through an early-access beta programme and currently supports airtime and data purchases, wallet funding, money transfers and food orders.

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Paystack said the launch reflects its belief that AI agents are emerging as a new interface for commerce, enabling users to move from prompts to real-world transactions.

Announced by co-founder and chief executive officer, Shola Akinlade, the product positions AI assistants as execution layers for payments and commerce, rather than just tools for information and recommendations.

The launch comes amid rising AI adoption in Nigeria. According to a Google-Ipsos survey, 88 per cent of Nigerians surveyed said they had used generative AI in the past year, while 62 per cent said they used it for everyday tasks such as planning trips, meals or workouts.

The launch also follows Paystack’s recent restructuring under The Stack Group (TSG), which created dedicated business units for merchant payments, consumer transactions, banking services and emerging technologies.