Quick Read:
- Over 4.5 million African immigrants in the U.S. face barriers to basic banking.
- Remittances to Nigeria alone hit US$21 billion in 2024 – but sending money home remains expensive and complex.
- Paga is breaking down those barriers with simple, inclusive, digital banking built for the diaspora.
Paga Group, a UK-headquartered financial technology company and one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, has expanded into the US market with digital banking for Africa’s diaspora in the U.S.
Created in partnership with a US-regulated bank, Paga’s new service provides Africans in the US with unprecedented access to international banking tailored to their unique needs.
Through the introduction of a new US-domiciled account, customers can now open and manage a fully regulated US bank account, and conduct banking transactions, in the US, using only a valid form of identification and a US residential address.
The rollout begins with Nigerians in the US, representing the first step in Paga’s wider international growth strategy.
The initiative aims to remove barriers to cross-border finance and deliver inclusive, modern banking solutions to Africans around the world.
“Millions of Africans abroad face unnecessary barriers to basic financial services. Opening a bank account, saving in a stable currency, or sending money home is often expensive, complicated, or out of reach. In the United States alone, over 4.5 million African immigrants navigate a system that was never designed for them. We are breaking down those barriers,” said Tayo Oviosu, founder and group CEO of Paga.
The Nigerian-born immigrant population in the US has more than doubled over the past two decades, growing at an average rate of about 4.8% per year and reaching 476,000 in 2023 . In 2024, remittances to Nigeria reached approximately US$21 billion, up from about US$19.5 billion in 2023.
These inflows demonstrate the critical role diaspora communities play in supporting families and driving economic growth at home.
The account offers both physical and virtual Visa debit cards, integrating seamlessly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Plaid, which allows Paga US account holders to link third-party apps, such as Robinhood and Venmo, among others.
Customers can also send money to US or Nigerian bank accounts, with plans to expand to additional countries soon.
Unlike remittance products, Paga is built first and foremost for banking and payments – helping Africans participate freely in global commerce. The initial rollout focuses on people who live across two worlds – particularly the Nigerian diaspora who still have ties at home – enabling them to use one wallet.
The launch is another milestone in Paga Group’s mission to make it simple for one billion people to access and use money, reinforcing its role as a leading force in building Africa’s financial infrastructure for the future.
“Paga’s US dollar account gives users access to an FDIC-insured current account, connected to the financial tools they use every day. It is simple, inclusive, and built for real-life needs. We are putting control back in the hands of the diaspora and laying the foundation for borderless banking for Africans everywhere,” added Mr. Oviosu.
Eligible users can download the Paga app using this link.
Comments 1