Nigerian digital bank FairMoney is in talks to acquire Umba, a credit-led digital bank operating in Nigeria and Kenya, for $20 million in an all-stock deal.
With this, FairMoney seeks to grow its customer base, particularly in Kenya, solving the challenges faced by many African fintechs due to global funding slowdown.
Founded in 2016, FairMoney has become a well-known Nigerian lender, attracting over $57 million in funding and asserting over 6 million customers. While venturing into India in 2020, recent updates on that expansion remain unavailable.
Launched in 2018, Umba initially focused on retail banking in Nigeria before expanding to offer merchant financing and business banking in both Nigeria and Kenya. While user numbers haven’t been disclosed, they secured a microfinance license in Kenya through a strategic acquisition in 2022.
Obtaining a microfinance license in Kenya is notoriously difficult, with only 14 issued compared to Nigeria’s 600+. For FairMoney, acquiring Umba’s license could offer a faster entry point into the Kenyan market.
Considering Umba’s financial situation, FairMoney’s offer might be enticing. Recent data reveals they generated $335,000 in revenue versus $1.54 million in expenses between January and June 2023. Moreover, after a $15 million Series A funding round in 2022, they secured a $1.55 million bridge round at a significantly lower valuation, aligning with FairMoney’s offer.
This potential deal follows a recent acquisition in the Nigerian fintech space – Carbon’s purchase of SME-focused Vella Finance. This shows the evolving state of African fintechs, where tightened VC funding necessitates consolidation and strategic partnerships.
While acquisition talks are ongoing, Umba may explore other options. Ultimately, this potential deal, if successful, highlights both FairMoney’s expansion drive and the changing dynamics of the African fintech sector in the challenging economic climate.
