Paystack launches AI checkout Index for Nigerians using Claude, ChatGPT

Paystack has launched Paystack Index, an AI-powered checkout tool that lets Nigerian users pay for everyday services through AI agents like Claude, ChatGPT and OpenClaw. The product, built by TSG Labs, works with existing Paystack infrastructure—routing requests through Zap and Paystack’s payment rails without storing card details or CVVs. Early access is limited to Zap users in Nigeria, with invitations granted based on system capacity during the beta phase.

Supported use cases include buying airtime and mobile data across major networks, funding wallets and making transfers via Zap, and ordering food through Chowdeck. When a user asks an AI agent to buy airtime, for example, the agent handles the conversation while Index verifies intent, checks permissions, selects a merchant based on availability and delivery context, and routes the payment through Zap.

Shola Akinlade, Paystack CEO, says the experiment tests whether AI-powered checkout becomes habitual and whether it creates a new discovery channel for merchants. He adds that stablecoin infrastructure remains another focus for TSG Labs as it studies responsible adoption for African markets.

Would you let an AI agent handle your routine payments like airtime top-ups or food orders, or would you prefer to keep full control?

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/06/25/paystack-launches-ai-powered-checkout-for-nigerian-consumers/