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UBA Fintech Partnerships Drive Financial Inclusion Across Africa

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African financial services are increasingly being shaped by collaboration between banks and fintech companies. UBA Fintech Partnerships took center stage at the UBA Fintech Conference 2026 in Ghana, where industry leaders explored how strategic alliances can accelerate innovation, improve financial inclusion and strengthen cross-border trade across Africa.

The conference, held under the theme “Banking Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation Through Fintech Partnerships,”brought together fintech innovators, investors, financial institutions, regulators and technology providers to discuss the future of digital finance on the continent.

How UBA Fintech Partnerships Support Financial Inclusion

Opening the conference, Board Member and Chair of the Cyber and Information Security Committee of UBA Ghana, Linda Naa Dzama Quaynor, said collaboration will play a greater role in shaping the future of financial services than competition alone.

She explained that banks and fintech firms now complement each other’s strengths, creating opportunities to deliver more inclusive and scalable financial services. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area in driving demand for seamless cross-border payment systems.

According to her, UBA’s presence across 20 African countries and major international financial centers positions the bank to support fintech innovation beyond national borders.

UBA Fintech Partnerships and the Future of Digital Finance

Delivering the keynote address, Gbadebo Adenrele stressed that Africa’s financial future will depend on connected ecosystems rather than isolated institutions.

He noted that partnerships between banks, fintech firms and technology providers can accelerate innovation while expanding access to financial services. In addition, he identified mobile money, digital payments, embedded finance and digital banking as major contributors to financial inclusion across Africa.

Consequently, he called for greater investment in digital infrastructure, supportive regulation and stronger industry collaboration.

UBA Expands Digital Banking Through Innovation

Speaking at the event, Bernard Gyebi said Africa’s fintech industry could exceed $65 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for growth and innovation.

He explained that UBA continues to support fintech development through initiatives such as Banking-as-a-Service, Open APIs, AI-powered banking solutions and cross-border payment platforms.

“The future of financial services in Africa will be built through partnerships, not silos,” Gyebi said.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel O. Lamptey highlighted the growing influence of e-commerce and agentic commerce in shaping the next phase of digital finance.

He also pointed to opportunities for banks and fintech firms to collaborate on government revenue collection systems, including tax and permit payment platforms.

Why UBA Fintech Partnerships Matter for Africa

Industry experts participating in a panel discussion agreed that innovation, regulation, security and collaboration must evolve together if Africa is to unlock the full value of digital finance.

Representatives from fintech companies emphasized the importance of payment infrastructure, open banking frameworks, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in building trusted financial ecosystems.

Additionally, the Bank of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation while strengthening consumer protection and financial system stability.

As Africa’s digital economy expands, UBA Fintech Partnerships demonstrate how collaboration between banks, fintech firms, regulators and technology providers can accelerate financial inclusion, improve cross-border payments and support long-term economic growth across the continent.

Yoco Acquires AI Startup Dyner.AI to Expand Beyond Payments in South Africa

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South African fintech company Yoco has acquired local artificial intelligence startup Dyner.AI, marking its first major acquisition and signalling a broader push beyond payment processing into AI-powered business software.

The deal represents a strategic shift for Yoco, which has built its reputation by providing card payment machines and digital payment solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. With the acquisition, the company aims to develop a comprehensive commerce platform that combines payments, point-of-sale systems, financial services, operational software and AI-driven tools.

Dyner.AI specialises in software that helps restaurants and other businesses manage daily operations, analyse performance data and automate decision-making. By integrating these capabilities into its existing products, Yoco hopes to offer merchants a single platform that supports everything from processing transactions to generating business insights.

The move comes as South Africa’s retail sector becomes increasingly technology-driven. Major retailers and pharmacy chains have invested heavily in digital platforms, delivery services, loyalty programmes and financial products to strengthen customer relationships and improve operations.

Yoco appears to be taking a different approach by focusing on the software infrastructure that powers businesses behind the scenes. With more than 200,000 merchants already using its services, the company has an established customer base that could benefit from its expanded suite of AI-enabled tools.

Founded in 2013 by Katlego Maphai, Carl Wazen, Bradley Wattrus and Lungisa Matshoba, Yoco has grown from a startup helping businesses accept card payments into one of South Africa’s leading fintech companies, with an estimated valuation exceeding R12 billion. Over the years, it has expanded into point-of-sale technology, online payments and merchant financing.

The acquisition also follows a leadership change at the company. In May 2026, Yoco appointed former Solaris chief executive Carsten Höltkemeyer as its new CEO, making him the first non-founder to lead the business. His experience in integrating generative AI into financial services aligns with Yoco’s growing focus on artificial intelligence.

By bringing Dyner.AI into its operations, Yoco is positioning itself as more than a payments provider. The company is betting that AI-powered software and integrated business tools will become increasingly important as merchants seek smarter ways to manage and grow their operations in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Registration Opens for AI Governance for Schools Certification Programme

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Registration has officially opened for the AI Governance for Schools Certification Programme, a training initiative by Pristine SACC Initiative, designed to help education professionals use artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively in school environments.

The programme comes as AI tools become increasingly common in classrooms, administrative processes and student assessments. Organisers say schools must establish clear policies and governance frameworks to ensure these technologies are used safely, ethically and in line with institutional values.

The certification is aimed at school owners, administrators, teachers, policymakers and other education professionals seeking practical knowledge of AI governance and its application within educational settings.

Participants will receive training on key topics including the development of AI policies for schools, ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, data privacy and student protection, risk management, regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for adopting AI technologies.

According to the organisers, the programme is intended to help educational institutions balance innovation with accountability by providing the tools needed to manage AI-related risks while protecting learners and maintaining public trust.

As schools continue to explore the benefits of artificial intelligence, the certification seeks to equip decision-makers with the knowledge required to implement AI solutions in ways that support educational excellence without compromising privacy, ethics or compliance standards.

Registration is now open. APPLY HERE.

Applications Open for 2026 Accelerate Africa Startup Programme Offering Up to $500,000 in Funding Opportunities

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Applications are now open for the 2026 Accelerate Africa Startup Programme, giving early-stage African founders the opportunity to receive mentorship, strategic support and potential access to funding of between $250,000 and $500,000.

Accelerate Africa is a founder-focused accelerator that helps entrepreneurs build scalable businesses addressing major challenges across the continent. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, the programme provides tailored guidance designed for startups operating in African markets.

The accelerator runs for 12 weeks and selects just 10 founders per cohort, allowing participants to receive personalised support from experienced entrepreneurs, operators and investors.

During the programme, startups work on five key areas that are considered essential for growth. These include developing a compelling brand story and company mission, strengthening internal operations and leadership, refining go-to-market strategies, improving products and preparing for fundraising.

Founders also receive coaching on investor readiness, pitch development and demo day presentations, helping them position their businesses for future financing opportunities.

Established to support entrepreneurs tackling Africa’s biggest economic and social challenges, Accelerate Africa has spent years mentoring startups and helping founders access global opportunities. The organisation says it has supported more than 25 companies that later joined international accelerator programmes and has worked alongside some of the continent’s best-known technology firms.

Its network includes businesses such as Andela, Flutterwave, Moove and DukaConnect, with several alumni going on to raise significant venture capital, achieve unicorn status or secure acquisitions by multinational companies.

One of the programme’s distinguishing features is its founder-centred model. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship, operational guidance and access to legal, financial and technical advisory sessions while joining a community of entrepreneurs who can share experiences and collaborate.

Unlike many accelerator programmes, Accelerate Africa does not require participants to give up equity or accept investment simply to join. There is also no upfront funding attached to admission.

However, startups that complete the programme may be considered for investment by the Accelerate Africa Fund or by Future Africa, subject to due diligence and approval processes. Eligible businesses could receive pre-seed or seed funding ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 based on their performance, scalability and investment readiness.

Accelerate Africa says it has supported 162 companies and 170 founders, with portfolio businesses collectively raising around $2.92 billion in funding. The programme has attracted more than 1,900 applications from entrepreneurs representing 37 countries.

The accelerator also works with ecosystem partners including AWS Startups, NVIDIA Inception Program, Future Africa, Itana, Founder Centered and Geneza to provide founders with technical resources, cloud infrastructure, investor connections and broader innovation support.

By combining mentorship, operational expertise and access to funding networks, Accelerate Africa aims to help the next generation of African startups build sustainable businesses that can compete on a global stage while addressing local challenges.

Register here for the Accelerate Africa Startup Program.

GrowthAfrica Opens Programme Lead Applications in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda

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GrowthAfrica, a leading business accelerator and entrepreneur support organisation, is recruiting Programme Leads in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda as it expands efforts to strengthen startup ecosystems and support women-led businesses across Africa.

The organisation is seeking experienced professionals with strong knowledge of their local innovation landscapes to oversee programme delivery, build partnerships and help entrepreneurs access opportunities for growth.

The recruitment drive is part of GrowthAfrica’s wider mission to promote digital innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development across sub-Saharan Africa.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Nairobi, GrowthAfrica has supported more than 5,000 businesses through business acceleration, incubation, investment readiness programmes and ecosystem development initiatives. The organisation works with entrepreneurs, investors, development partners and public institutions to improve access to capital, markets, technology and business support.

Under the new roles, Programme Leads will serve as GrowthAfrica’s main representatives in their assigned countries and will be responsible for turning regional strategies into local action. Around two-thirds of the position will focus on delivering acceleration programmes and supporting participating entrepreneurs.

Key responsibilities include managing entrepreneur recruitment, coordinating incubation and accelerator activities, organising workshops and training sessions, leading local programme teams and building relationships with investors, mentors, innovation hubs and government agencies.

The successful candidates will also oversee compliance with grant and safeguarding requirements while contributing to programme monitoring and evaluation.

A major priority of the initiative is supporting women entrepreneurs and expanding access to business opportunities beyond major cities. GrowthAfrica said Programme Leads will play an important role in identifying promising women-led ventures, encouraging participation from underserved communities and creating pathways for long-term business growth.

Applicants are expected to have between eight and ten years of programme or project management experience, particularly in entrepreneurship support, incubation or accelerator programmes. A degree in business, development studies, social sciences or a related field is required, while postgraduate qualifications and local language skills would be an added advantage.

The organisation is also looking for candidates with experience managing teams, engaging multiple stakeholders and working within startup ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa. Existing relationships with innovation hubs, investors and entrepreneurship networks are considered beneficial.

GrowthAfrica said the positions offer an opportunity to contribute directly to Africa’s innovation economy by helping startups become market-ready and investment-ready while supporting job creation and economic development.

The organisation noted that successful candidates will gain exposure to regional innovation networks, multi-country programme implementation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development while working in a diverse international environment.

Applications are open to qualified professionals residing in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda who have legal authorisation to work in their chosen country. The deadline for submissions is 25 June 2026.

GrowthAfrica added that it is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Apply HERE.

Senegal’s Nixacom Launches Auto Apply to Simplify Digital Onboarding for Financial Institutions

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Senegalese technology financing startup Nixacom has introduced Auto Apply, a digital onboarding platform designed to help organisations replace slow, manual application processes with a faster and more automated system.

Founded in October 2023 by CEO Cheikh Gueye, CFO Elhaji Fall and CTO Wangel Yohannes, Nixacom initially focused on making premium technology products such as smartphones, laptops and tablets more accessible to individuals and businesses through financing solutions.

According to Gueye, the company’s experience in financial infrastructure revealed a wider challenge facing many organisations across Africa. As Nixacom expanded, it found that inefficient onboarding, identity verification and application processing were creating delays for both institutions and customers.

To solve this problem, the startup developed Auto Apply, a platform that digitises customer onboarding and automates document generation for institutions operating in emerging markets.

Gueye explained that many organisations still depend on paper forms and repetitive manual processes, requiring customers to submit the same information multiple times while staff spend hours entering, checking and organising data.

Auto Apply streamlines this workflow by allowing institutions to collect customer information through a single digital process. The platform can then automatically generate the necessary documents and contracts while performing identity verification in real time.

According to Nixacom, tasks that previously took hours or even days can now be completed within minutes, producing a structured and compliance-ready onboarding file that is delivered directly to the institution.

The company is already working with financial institutions to roll out the platform and says early feedback has been encouraging.

“There is a clear market need for solutions that improve efficiency while maintaining compliance standards,” Gueye said, noting that organisations are increasingly looking for technology that simplifies operations without compromising regulatory requirements.

With digital transformation gathering pace across Africa’s financial sector, platforms like Auto Apply could help institutions improve customer experiences, reduce administrative workloads and speed up access to financial services.

FEI and Norfund Fund Solar Expansion at 4,000 African Telecom Towers

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FEI, Norfund Back Solar Rollout at 4,000 Telecom Sites Across Africa

Africa’s transition toward cleaner and more resilient digital infrastructure received a major boost after the Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI) and Norwegian development finance institution Norfund announced a combined $90 million financing package to support renewable energy deployment at telecom sites across the continent.

The funding will enable Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) to expand solar-powered energy systems for telecommunications infrastructure in several African markets, including Mali, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

FEI and Norfund Provide $90 Million for Telecom Energy Projects

The financing package consists of a long-term debt facility valued at $90 million. According to the institutions, the funding refinances $55 million in bridge facilities provided in 2024 while introducing an additional $35 million in fresh capital to accelerate project deployment.

The investment will support CREI’s efforts to expand renewable energy assets that power telecommunications infrastructure across Africa. As telecom operators continue to extend connectivity into underserved regions, reliable and sustainable energy solutions are becoming increasingly critical to network performance and operational efficiency.

FEI, which is managed by Cygnum Capital, served as the lead arranger for the transaction.

Solar-Powered Telecom Infrastructure Gains Momentum

In a separate announcement, Norfund confirmed a $30 million investment specifically targeted at deploying solar-powered energy systems across approximately 4,000 telecom tower sites in Mali, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

The initiative aims to replace traditional diesel-dependent power generation with hybrid energy infrastructure that combines solar technology and battery storage solutions. As a result, telecom operators can reduce fuel costs, improve energy reliability, and lower carbon emissions.

The rollout aligns with broader efforts across Africa to modernize critical digital infrastructure while improving energy sustainability in regions where grid access remains limited.

CREI Expands Its Energy-as-a-Service Model

CREI plans to use the funding to scale its energy-as-a-service model for mobile network operators. Under this approach, the company develops, owns, and manages energy infrastructure while telecom operators focus on delivering connectivity services.

The company said the investment will accelerate the deployment of renewable energy systems at telecom sites and strengthen network resilience across challenging operating environments.

Furthermore, CREI is working alongside two33 Group’s ieng unit to increase renewable energy’s contribution to power generation at the targeted sites. The initiative is expected to raise the share of renewable energy in overall electricity production to nearly 50%.

Supporting Connectivity in Underserved African Markets

The investment focuses on some of Africa’s most infrastructure-constrained markets. Mali, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic are classified as Least Developed Countries and continue to face challenges related to energy access, infrastructure development, and security.

Despite these obstacles, telecommunications networks remain essential for financial inclusion, digital services, and economic participation. Consequently, investments that improve energy reliability at telecom sites can play a significant role in expanding digital access and supporting broader development goals.

Renewable Energy and Digital Infrastructure Converge

As demand for mobile connectivity, digital services, and data consumption continues to grow across Africa, operators are increasingly seeking sustainable energy alternatives to power network infrastructure.

The FEI and Norfund financing demonstrates the growing convergence between renewable energy investment and digital infrastructure development. By reducing reliance on diesel generators and expanding the use of solar-powered systems, the initiative supports both environmental sustainability and the long-term resilience of Africa’s telecommunications sector.

The project also highlights how development finance institutions are playing an increasingly important role in funding infrastructure that supports both digital transformation and energy transition objectives across the continent.

Cybastion Highlights Senegal’s Digital Growth at SENEGAL REK Forum

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Cybastion Highlights Senegal’s Digital Growth at SENEGAL REK Investment Forum

Cybastion has highlighted Senegal’s growing digital economy during the SENEGAL REK business and investment forum, where industry leaders, investors, and policymakers gathered to explore opportunities in technology, innovation, and economic development.

Held on June 14–15 at Rutgers University in the United States, the forum formed part of broader business engagements surrounding World Cup-related activities in the New York City area. The event sought to strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Senegal, the United States, the African diaspora, and global investment partners.

Senegal Digital Growth Takes Center Stage

As both a sponsor and participant, Cybastion played an active role in discussions focused on Africa’s digital future. The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Antoine Puget, moderated a panel session titled “AI, Fintech, Innovation & Digital Transformation.”

The discussion examined how emerging technologies are reshaping economic development across Africa while highlighting Senegal’s progress in building a modern digital ecosystem.

Participants noted that Senegal has established a strong foundation for digital transformation through significant investments in connectivity and digital financial services. These developments are helping to position the country as an emerging technology and innovation hub in West Africa.

Strong Connectivity and Mobile Money Adoption Drive Senegal Digital Growth

Panelists pointed to several indicators that demonstrate Senegal’s digital advancement.

According to discussions at the forum, approximately 97% of the country is covered by 4G networks, providing widespread access to mobile broadband services. In addition, high mobile money adoption rates continue to support financial inclusion and digital commerce across the economy.

These factors are creating an environment that encourages innovation, expands access to financial services, and enables businesses to participate more effectively in the digital economy.

Speakers also highlighted the growing opportunities for fintech companies, artificial intelligence solutions, and digital entrepreneurs seeking to scale operations within Senegal and across the broader African market.

Cybastion Reinforces Commitment to Africa’s Digital Ecosystem

During the event, Cybastion reaffirmed its commitment to supporting digital transformation initiatives across Africa through strategic partnerships and capacity-building programs.

The company emphasized its ongoing work in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure development, and workforce training through its Digital Fast Track initiative.

According to Cybastion, strengthening digital skills and improving access to secure digital infrastructure remain critical components of Africa’s long-term technology growth and competitiveness.

Investment Forums Support Digital Transformation Goals

Cybastion noted that platforms such as SENEGAL REK play an important role in attracting international investment and fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and technology stakeholders.

By bringing together investors and industry leaders, such forums help accelerate conversations around innovation, digital inclusion, and economic development while creating opportunities to support emerging digital markets across Africa.

As Senegal continues to strengthen its digital foundations, stakeholders believe the country is well positioned to leverage technology-driven growth and attract greater investment into key sectors including fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

Launch Africa Returns $2.5 Million to Investors Following 11 Startup Exits

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Pan-African venture capital firm Launch Africa Ventures has made its first cash distribution to investors, returning about $2.5 million to limited partners in its Launch Africa Seed Fund I after completing 11 successful startup exits.

The payout represents roughly 7% of the fund and marks an important milestone for the investment firm, which launched the fund in 2020. It also comes at a time when many venture capital funds established during the global investment surge of 2020 have yet to deliver returns to their investors.

Founded by Zachariah George and Janade du Plessis, Launch Africa has become one of the continent’s most active early-stage investors, backing startups at the pre-seed, seed and pre-Series A stages.

Speaking about the achievement, Managing Partner Zachariah George said the true test of venture capital lies in generating actual returns rather than unrealised valuations. He added that the distribution shows African technology companies can create liquidity for investors while still retaining significant future growth potential.

Co-founder Janade du Plessis described the payout as the result of years of supporting founders, building strategic partnerships and creating opportunities for successful exits.

Since its launch, Fund I has raised more than $36 million and invested around $31 million in 133 startups across 22 African countries. The firm has focused on sectors including fintech, healthtech, agritech, logistics, education technology and enterprise software, while also helping portfolio companies access follow-on funding and international investor networks.

The latest distribution was driven by 11 exits spanning seven industries and multiple regions across Africa. According to Launch Africa, five of the exited companies operated in fintech, covering areas such as embedded lending, digital credit infrastructure, remittances, debt recovery and credit intelligence.

Additional exits came from businesses involved in payments infrastructure, agritech, logistics, business-to-business e-commerce, human resources technology and employee wellness.

The transactions were spread across several countries, with three exits each in South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, and Senegal, alongside one exit in Tanzania and another in Egypt.

While the company did not reveal the names of the startups or financial details of the deals, it disclosed that several investments generated returns of more than twice the original capital invested, with some producing returns of up to five times the initial investment.

The distribution is seen as a positive development for Africa’s venture capital industry, where profitable exits remain less common than in more mature startup ecosystems. As global funding conditions remain challenging, successful investor payouts are increasingly viewed as evidence that the continent’s technology sector can deliver sustainable long-term value.

For Launch Africa, the milestone strengthens confidence in its investment strategy and supports its continued efforts to back high-growth startups while pursuing future fundraising opportunities across Africa.

Payaza to Launch ShopAza E-commerce Platform Across Six Markets to Help African Merchants Sell Online

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Payaza Africa is set to launch ShopAza, a new cloud-based e-commerce platform designed to help businesses create online stores, manage inventory and accept payments from customers across multiple markets.

The platform will officially launch on 18 June 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, with an event featuring a keynote speech by Payaza’s Global Head of Operations, Taiwo Adeeko, a live demonstration of the product and a panel discussion on scaling e-commerce businesses across Africa.

ShopAza aims to solve a common problem faced by many small businesses, particularly in Nigeria, where merchants often rely on WhatsApp Business, Instagram or Facebook to display products and receive orders. While these platforms help businesses reach customers, they usually lack features such as shopping carts, automated checkouts and integrated inventory management, creating extra steps for buyers and sellers.

Payaza says ShopAza will provide merchants with an all-in-one solution that combines branded online storefronts, payment processing and inventory tracking without the need to use multiple separate tools.

The platform is expected to launch in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania, while also supporting merchants serving customers in North America and Europe. It will offer multi-currency capabilities, allowing businesses to sell across different regions and accept payments in various currencies.

The move comes as Africa’s social commerce market continues to grow rapidly. A significant share of online buying and selling on the continent now takes place through messaging and social media platforms rather than dedicated websites. However, businesses operating this way often face challenges such as manual order processing, payment disputes, poor customer data management and limited opportunities to build their brands.

Several fintech companies have introduced tools to address these issues. Payment providers including Paystack, Flutterwave and Interswitch have integrated online storefront features into their payment platforms, while specialised e-commerce solutions such as Bumpa, Sellevo and Selar also serve the market. Even so, merchants frequently cite limited customisation, inventory management and customer retention features as ongoing challenges.

For Payaza, entering the e-commerce space also represents an opportunity to expand beyond payment processing. As transaction services become increasingly competitive and profit margins narrow, offering digital storefronts gives payment companies deeper insights into merchant activity and creates opportunities to provide additional services such as lending, analytics and business management tools.

ShopAza forms part of Payaza’s wider ecosystem of digital products, which includes ChatPay, Payaza Give, EventPorte and Payaza Branches. By connecting these services, the company appears to be building an integrated platform that supports online selling, payments, events and customer engagement within a single ecosystem.

With growing demand from African businesses serving both local and international customers, Payaza hopes ShopAza’s multi-currency support and integrated payment infrastructure will make it easier for merchants to expand across borders and reach diaspora markets.