Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:43:40 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 Flutterwave’s H1 2025 TPV Jumps 20%, Powers $1 Billion in Transactions https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwaves-h1-2025-tpv-jumps-20-powers-1-billion-in-transactions/ https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwaves-h1-2025-tpv-jumps-20-powers-1-billion-in-transactions/#respond Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:43:40 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=164907 Flutterwave, one of Africa’s leading payment technology companies, recorded 20 percent growth in Total Processed Value (TPV) with the monthly margin doubling in June 2025 compared to 2024 average, highlighting its strong performance and profitable progress.

According to the company’s 2025 half-year review, it facilitated about $1 billion in transactions between Africa and Asia, attracting more merchants in the East Asian market, such as Norafirst and Skyee, which joined as new merchants.

Partnered with Global Remit to expand the Send App for remittances to the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, E.U., and U.S, highlighting its increasing market depth driven by strategic partnership.

In his half-year review message, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, founder and chief executive officer, Flutterwave, said:

We’re not chasing vanity metrics. We are building a company that outlasts hype, that scales with discipline, and that puts African innovation at the center of the global economic map. Our half-year review was proof that we’re executing on a long-term plan.

The company expanded to Senegal, Zambia, and Cameroon in the first half of 2025, bringing the number of countries active in Africa to 34 countries.

Its focus on Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) recorded significant growth as Pay with Bank Transfer grew by 198%  in Total Processed Value year-on-year.

The Pay with Bank Transfer launched in Ghana in March saw 26% more transactions than other APMs.

Beyond facilitating transactions, the company entered into some strategic collaboration moves. It collaborated with Chapter AI to boost social commerce for Small and Medium Enterprises in 11 countries, and teamed up with Circle to offer stablecoin settlement options for merchants.

Secured 20 new U.S Money Transmitter Licenses, bringing its direct licenses without intermediaries to 34.

To align its financials with international standards, the company completed its first group-wide audit.

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Flutterwave CEO: Interoperable Payments Will Unlock Africa’s Economic Future https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-interoperable-payments-will-unlock-africas-economic-future/ https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-interoperable-payments-will-unlock-africas-economic-future/#respond Sat, 09 Aug 2025 15:23:18 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=164711 At the bustling Money20/20 Europe conference, under the bright lights of the New York Stock Exchange’s spotlight stage, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola leaned into a vision that has defined his journey: an Africa where every payment flows seamlessly across borders.

“In almost every African country today, you’ll find advanced local payment systems,” he told interviewer Kristen Scholer. “But the problem is, they don’t talk to each other. Flutterwave solves that. We help global companies scale in Africa, and we help Africans transact anywhere on the continent and beyond.”

That solution is anchored in Flutterwave’s unified API, a technology bridge that connects multinational giants like Uber, leading payment service providers (PSPs), and African enterprises such as Bamboo and Wakanow.

In doing so, Flutterwave tackles one of the continent’s most stubborn challenges: the lack of interoperability between national payment infrastructures.

The stakes are high. Africa’s growth trajectory is turning heads worldwide. The African Development Bank projects that 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies by 2025 will be African, with average real GDP growth climbing to 4.4% in 2026. For Agboola, this isn’t just a statistic, it’s a signal.

“The demand for reliable, interoperable, and scalable payment solutions will only rise,” he said. “Flutterwave is positioning itself as the premier platform for payments in Africa.”

The company’s expansion has been swift, with renewed focus on profitability through enterprise growth and diaspora remittance solutions. But its mission extends far beyond corporate balance sheets. Flutterwave’s platform powers everyday payments for vital services, from healthcare to education, making digital transactions not just convenient, but transformative.

“We are building a systemically important platform for the continent,” Agboola affirmed. “Our goal is simple but profound: make payments easy, scalable, and accessible for every African.”

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Send App by Flutterwave Returns to the U.S., Empowering Transfers to Africa https://techeconomy.ng/send-app-by-flutterwave-returns-to-the-u-s-empowering-transfers-to-africa/ https://techeconomy.ng/send-app-by-flutterwave-returns-to-the-u-s-empowering-transfers-to-africa/#respond Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:18:37 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=162383 For millions of Africans living in the United States, sending money home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a lifeline, a love letter in digits, a way to say “I’m still here with you,” across oceans and time zones.

Now, that bond just got a powerful boost.

On July 3, 2025, in the bustling tech heart of San Francisco, Flutterwave—the payments giant connecting Africa to the world—announced the triumphant return of its beloved Send App to the U.S. market. But this wasn’t just a routine relaunch; it was the beginning of a renewed promise.

More Than Just an App, It’s a Lifeline

After months of strategic groundwork, Flutterwave has activated 20 new Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs), building on the 14 licenses it already held. With 34 direct licenses in total, Send App is now cleared to operate seamlessly—without intermediaries—across numerous U.S. states and territories.

For users, this means faster, more secure, and more direct remittances to countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt—some of the most vital corridors for African diaspora families.

But perhaps more importantly, it means freedom. The freedom to support parents, fund education, and keep the light of connection glowing brightly between continents.

A Seamless Experience Reimagined

Flutterwave didn’t just relaunch Send App—it reimagined the experience from the ground up. The new user onboarding is smoother, with a fast and secure ID verification that gets users started in minutes. Payment support has also expanded, now accepting US-issued Visa and Discover cards, and fortified with enhanced security protocols to ensure compliance and peace of mind.

The app’s interface has been refined for efficiency and clarity, with simplified flows making it easier than ever to send support across borders.

Where Can You Use It?

From the historic streets of Washington, D.C., to the bustling suburbs of Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Michigan, Send App is live. It’s also active in Tennessee and South Carolina, with reach extending to more than two dozen additional states and territories, including Puerto Rico, Illinois, Arizona, and Oregon.

This isn’t just a launch—it’s a movement. And it’s growing.

A Mission Renewed

Speaking on the milestone, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, reflected on the broader significance:

“By expanding our reach and enhancing our services, we are empowering millions of Africans in the U.S. to maintain strong financial ties with their home countries. This is about family, community, and development. We are bridging Africa with the global economy—and vice versa.”

Earlier this year, Flutterwave integrated Swap into the Send App, simplifying foreign exchange for users. It also secured inward remittance approval from the Bank of Ghana, strengthening its grip on key African financial corridors.

In the End, It’s About Connection

The Flutterwave Send App isn’t just back. It’s stronger, faster, and more aligned with the needs of the diaspora than ever before.

Behind every transfer is a story. A sacrifice. A prayer. With Send App now live again across the U.S., those stories continue—uninterrupted, secure, and filled with purpose.

Africa is just a tap away.

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Flutterwave CEO Advocates for Stronger Intra-Continental Trade https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-advocates-for-stronger-intra-continental-trade/ https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-advocates-for-stronger-intra-continental-trade/#comments Tue, 06 May 2025 14:15:26 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=158157 Semafor organised its annual World Economic Summit in Washington, D.C., amidst heightened global economic uncertainties. The event gathered leading voices from both the public and private sectors across the world.

Speaking with Payoneer’s CEO, John Caplan, in a fireside chat moderated by Semafor’s Yinka Adegoke, Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola stressed the urgent need to continue building infrastructure and developing initiatives to boost Africa’s cross-border trade amid geopolitical shifts.

“In a time when global trade is becoming more unpredictable, Africa cannot afford to remain fragmented”, Mr. Agboola stated.

While acknowledging that cross-border payment growth in the continent is not limited to the “big four” fintech markets, he expressed his concerns that “the share of overall trade within Africa is still low.”

“The momentum in trade between countries like Nigeria and Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, Rwanda and Ghana shows intra-African trade is happening and we’re building an infrastructure to drive that growth even more aggressively,” he commented.

Agreeing with John Caplan, CEO and Director of Payoneer, on the implications of global economic shifts, Mr. Agboola expects long-term impacts on emerging economies.  He recommended stronger intra-African trade and regional supply chains as a survival and sustainable strategy for Africa’s growth.

According to the Flutterwave Founder and CEO, key initiatives like Ghana and Rwanda’s license passporting framework–Africa’s first license passporting framework, PAPSS, and AfCFTA—are already underway to unlock Africa’s economic potential and increase the continent’s competitiveness on the global stage.

“Today, trade between African countries often requires routing funds through the US dollar. With PAPSS and our infrastructure, we can simplify that, facilitating payments from naira to cedi directly, for example, to reduce cost and time,” he added.

Despite tariff concerns, both speakers agreed that cross-border payments and trade, driven by small and medium-sized businesses expanding across markets as well as multinationals, leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, will continue to grow. Global trade won’t wait, and Africa can’t wait either.

Answering questions on growth, Mr. Agboola highlighted strong growth in cross-border remittances, travel, FMCG, and digital services, areas Flutterwave is actively supporting with its infrastructure.

As Africa navigates global economic currents, boosting internal trade and leveraging new technology remains critical for sustained growth and global competitiveness. Flutterwave is well-positioned to drive the revolution as the category leader of enterprise payment solutions on the continent.

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Fuse Raises $6.6 Million to Simplify Cross-Border Payments in MENA https://techeconomy.ng/fuse-raises-6-6-million/ https://techeconomy.ng/fuse-raises-6-6-million/#respond Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:25:17 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=156162 Dubai-based fintech startup, Fuse, has raised $6.6 million in seed funding to simplify cross-border payments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 

This funding will bolster the development of Fuse’s platform, designed to break down obstacles in the fragmented MENA banking space. The region’s complex regulations and banking systems have traditionally made it difficult for global businesses to operate smoothly. 

Fuse, however, is stepping in with a solution to this long-standing problem. Founded in 2023 by George Davis, a former co-founder of BVNK, and James Smith, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Fuse is offering a virtual International Bank Account Number (IBAN) product aimed at global businesses wanting to move money seamlessly within MENA. 

This product is commonplace in Europe, but Fuse claims it is the first to offer such a solution for MENA. As Davis put it, “We’re currently the only provider of virtual IBANs in the Middle East… it simply didn’t exist.”

The platform provides businesses with USD-denominated virtual IBANs for international transactions and local UAE IBANs for regional payments. The advantage of this offering is that companies can now perform cross-border money movements and local payouts without the need for complex local banking setups, foreign exchange (FX) handling, or navigating regulatory issues.

Many businesses, especially those based in the US, Europe, and Asia, have long struggled with entering the MENA region. Traditionally, they’ve faced two choices: work with smaller local payment firms that lack scale or rely on larger global players that lack local licences and often fail to provide reliable partnerships. 

Fuse finds its niche in the middle, offering a fully licensed, scalable infrastructure solution for businesses needing access to the MENA region. “Fuse is built for the Middle East,” Davis said, drawing a distinction between Fuse and its global counterparts, such as Visa-backed Currencycloud.

Fuse’s solution is already in demand. The company now serves over 20 clients, including well-known businesses such as DLocal, RemotePass, and platforms like Deel, Airbnb, and Etsy. 

The platform’s main strength lies in its ability to process payments instantly and efficiently. Clients can use the platform to issue virtual IBANs for employees or customers, enabling them to pay salaries or make other local transactions without the need for a local presence or entity.

One of Fuse’s unique features is its ability to support businesses in a wide range of sectors, including payroll, remittance services, and e-commerce.

For example, Fuse enables employers in the US to pay salaries to employees in the UAE, all while bypassing the need for complex compliance or residency requirements. 

With the platform’s smart routing and real-time notifications, businesses can be assured that payments are processed accurately and swiftly.

The funding round, which was led by Northzone, a European venture capital firm, also saw contributions from Flourish Ventures, Alter Global, and notable individual investors, including Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, and George Makhoul, the former president of Morgan Stanley MENA. 

Sanjot Malhi, partner at Northzone, highlighted the importance of Fuse’s approach, noting, “The Fuse team is transforming payment infrastructure in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets… their ability to simplify MENA’s complex cross-border flows is exactly what the region needs.”

Fuse plans to use this fresh capital to expand its team and secure additional regional licences. The company aims to extend its services beyond the UAE, expanding into countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. 

This comes at a time when the region is experiencing an explosion in e-commerce and digital payments, creating a fertile ground for businesses like Fuse to thrive.

For now, Fuse is firmly anchored in the UAE, but with plans to scale quickly, it looks set to become the go-to company in the MENA fintech sector.

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How Flutterwave Empowers African Entrepreneurs to Go Global https://techeconomy.ng/how-flutterwave-empowers-african-entrepreneurs-to-go-global/ https://techeconomy.ng/how-flutterwave-empowers-african-entrepreneurs-to-go-global/#respond Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:05:55 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=155361 Sometimes, the smallest ideas lead to the biggest changes. That was the inspiration behind the African fintech startup Flutterwave, a payment technology company  that set out to make massive changes across its home continent

Founder and CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola started his company to improve the speed, security, and efficiency of cross-border payments and commerce across Africa. But he never imagined just how far it would go.

Flutterwave and Alami Capital | Nigerian Exchange
President Bola Tinubu (2nd right) in a handshake with Olugbenga Agboola, CEO, Flutterwave (2nd left), flanked by Wale Edu, minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Ms Oluseun Olufemi-White, CEO of Alami Capital.

“Those were the driving forces behind Flutterwave: How do we become like a butterfly that can create a ripple effect in the ecosystem and still be tiny, yet we can make waves?” Agboola said. “Hence the name Flutterwave, by the way.”

The company’s success surpassed even the most ardent supporter’s predictions — just five years after its launch, it was a unicorn, a startup valued at more than $1 billion — and it has driven change far beyond its original intention.

E-payments have led to a digital revolution across the continent, empowering businesses and consumers alike. Financial technology has improved the lives and opportunities of Africans and given hope to a new generation of globally connected students.

But it has also done something else that’s just as important: It’s inspired a generation of entrepreneurs.

That might not have been part of Agboola’s original vision when he started a Flutterwave, but it’s become a powerful part of his legacy.

“We are a 1 billion people continent,” he said. “This is the opportunity continent. I think it’s really about showing them the opportunity here and the fact that capital can unlock that opportunity if properly deployed. That potential is just there and I think it’s very obvious to see.”

Understanding African Innovation

Flutterwave was built on a theory that many people doubted: that Africans could move directly into the digital age without experiencing a full industrial revolution.

But Agboola believed that what took Western countries decades to achieve, Africa could follow in just a short number of years.

“Africa has always been known to leapfrog. We go from nothing to something, consistently — no phones, to mobiles, to the internet. People skipped browsers; they search for what they want to buy on Instagram,” he said. “We’ve always been that way when it comes to [technology] leapfrogging a generation. That’s already happening here [with payments] as well. A lot of the unicorns you see in Africa are solving real problems. From OPay to Chipper Cash to Interswitch, if you live in Africa, you will see firsthand how these guys are relevant and are actually solving problems. And they hope to do so at a huge scale, which is amazing.”

It’s that spirit that Flutterwave’s success has bolstered. Following the rise of Flutterwave, many international investors have begun to view Africa more favorably.

In 2019, African tech startups raised more than $2 billion in equity funding, a remarkable 74% more than the previous year.

After a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the surge of funds returned in 2021, when tech startups in Africa secured up to $5 billion.

For Agboola, the appeal of Africa is twofold. There is both a severe need and tremendous talent in the continent.

“There are so many problems to solve on the continent. There are so many things to build. I’m excited by entrepreneurs who are willing to take on these crazy problems and try to solve them, across the board,” he said. “I think it’s a great time to be here. The market is still huge and still largely untapped. There is still a huge population that is not even banked at all on the continent. It’s just the place to be in the next 10 to 20 years. It’s going to be explosive. Our goal is to be here and stay alive to be able to harness the opportunity.”

A New Era of Entrepreneurship

Flutterwave app

The investment boom has helped remake Africa. Modern entrepreneurs seeking foreign seed money already face a vastly different reality than Agboola did when he founded Flutterwave.

“When we were starting, I didn’t get that much help, literally. We had to fund ourselves at the beginning with family money, with personal money. We all had to invest, bring our network to the table to raise capital for Flutterwave at the beginning,” he said. “So I think not everybody has that privilege that we had when we were starting Flutterwave. So basically helping other folks to get started is a big deal, because we see the ecosystem. I believe in the potential of African technology. I see what we’re building. The best engineers are in Africa. I see it every day. The best product guys are in Africa. I see it every day. So it’s really just putting your money where your mouth is. That’s the way I see it.”

Toward that end, Agboola still believes in leading by example. While his company continues to create products, such as the remittances service Send App that helps connect Africans to safe and secure sources of money that can be used to invest in new businesses, that’s not enough.

The next generation needs to see that African entrepreneurship is more than just a nice idea. For Agboola and Flutterwave, it’s a way of life.

“Every day, we come to work, and we live and breathe innovation,” Agboola said. “We’ve since built out Africa’s biggest payment network by reach, created solutions that make payments solutions, currency exchanges, e-commerce, and remittances easier for global companies selling in Africa, local businesses and Africans alike.”

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Flutterwave CEO’s Resilience17 Aims to Fill a Major Gap for African Tech Startups with Go Time AI https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-resilience17-african-tech-startups-go-time-ai/ https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-resilience17-african-tech-startups-go-time-ai/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:44:54 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=152428 Resilience17, an African venture studio and fund, originally founded as Berrywood in 2021 by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, is working to bridge a huge gap for African founders with a new accelerator programme, Go Time AI. 

The accelerator, which was unveiled in 2024, aims to support startups building AI-driven products across Africa. With a solid focus on promoting innovation, Resilience17 is offering up to $200,000 in funding and mentorship to selected startups, taking an 8% equity stake in return.

Resilience17 rebranded to strengthen its focus on African technology entrepreneurship. Over the past few years, the fund has grown its portfolio with companies like Klasha, Pivo, and Bamboo. 

Now, with the Go Time AI initiative, it is targeting sectors such as artificial intelligence. The accelerator seeks to provide the financial support, infrastructure, and expert guidance that African AI startups need to scale and compete globally.

General Partner of Resilience17, Hasan Luongo, said despite challenges acutely highlighted in 2024, Nigeria is set to continue leading as a global technology hub and can lead in AI. “We launched Go Time AI to prove this thesis. After the last 4 months working closely with the 1st cohort of AI companies, that conviction has only become stronger,” he stated.

The accelerator’s first cohort, which started in early 2024, saw five startups join the programme. These startups—Catlog, Sahel AI, Tyms, AI Teacha, and FriendNPal—are working on innovative solutions such as AI-powered customer service bots, contract review tools, accounting software, educational aids, and mental health platforms. 

As part of the programme, each of these startups received $25,000 in initial funding, with the potential for up to $175,000 more in subsequent rounds.

Unlike other accelerator programmes, Go Time AI does not operate with a fixed cohort size, allowing it to remain flexible and open to new startups. 

The programme also offers a unique mix of resources, including cloud credits, API services, and regular mentoring sessions. Participants also have access to “Office Hours,” where they engage directly with seasoned entrepreneurs and experts to discuss technical challenges, growth strategies, and product development.

Luongo further explained the accelerator’s approach, saying, “Our goal was not to teach founders how to run a company but specifically narrow the focus on what we see as the most important things any early-stage companies should be focused on. Building a world-class product experience and getting users into the product and to the magic moment where they see clear value.”

The Go Time AI accelerator aims to fill a huge gap for African founders, providing both capital and needed mentorship, technical expertise, and networking opportunities. With AI technology growing fast and being a global discourse, Resilience17’s initiative helps African startups to lead in this unique space.

Applications for the second cohort of the programme will open in May 2025, and Resilience17’s impact is expected to grow as more startups gain the resources they need to succeed in the AI industry.

Through its support for the next generation of African innovators, Resilience17 is stimulating resilience—one of Africa’s greatest strengths—and Go Time AI is essential to scale through the challenging, yet exciting, road to success.

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Flutterwave CEO Outlines Vision to Connect Africa to the World https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-outlines-vision-to-connect-africa-to-the-world/ https://techeconomy.ng/flutterwave-ceo-outlines-vision-to-connect-africa-to-the-world/#comments Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:47:14 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=146348 Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, the CEO of Flutterwave, has outlined the company’s long-term ambition in a fireside chat at the JP Morgan Tech Stars Conference in London, United Kingdom.

Mr. Agboola highlighted Flutterwave’s commitment to providing seamless payment solutions to connect Africa to the world and the world to Africa, in a conversation with Maryna Muntian, an executive director at JP Morgan’s Fintech Investment Banking.

“We’ve built a payments processing platform that replaces multiple payment integrations with one platform, for enterprise merchants coming to Africa or growing across and beyond the continent,” said Mr. Agboola.

Speaking to an audience of high-level investors and venture capitalists across the technology ecosystem, Mr. Agboola discussed the company’s core business focus: engaging with global enterprise businesses who are seeking to establish and solidify their presence in Africa, as well as large African businesses looking to expand their operations into global markets.

“As the world continues to see the potential in Africa, we [Flutterwave] will be available to help all sides earn value from the relationship,” he said in a prior blog post.

Flutterwave currently has extensive payment infrastructure coverage in over 30 African countries with 150 payment integrations enabling people around the world to pay Flutterwave merchants in Africa. This enables seamless cross-border payments for enterprises in Africa.

Mr. Agboola’s fireside chat highlighted Flutterwave’s vital role in shaping Africa’s payment infrastructure.

The company serves as a payment provider for local and global businesses across different industries and also as an enabler for other fintech companies in the region.

Flutterwave has a unique positioning and is expanding its presence on the continent. The company recently obtained new licenses in Ghana, Uganda, and Malawi.

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Olugbenga Agboola Rings Flutterwave Bells at UNGA79 https://techeconomy.ng/olugbenga-agboola-rings-flutterwave-bells-at-unga79/ https://techeconomy.ng/olugbenga-agboola-rings-flutterwave-bells-at-unga79/#respond Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:07:50 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=144444 On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, highlighted the company’s instrumental role in expanding market access for African businesses.

He expressed this during a high-profile panel session titled “Connecting the Next Billion Customers” at Semafor’s Next 3 Billion Summit in New York.

The summit gathered businesses and government leaders to discuss the role of digital transformation and innovations in harnessing the economic development of emerging markets.

Moderated Marcus Brauchli, Co-founder and Managing Partner of North Base Media, a central point of the discussion, which featured Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA, American Express, was how strategic partnerships, particularly Flutterwave’s recent collaboration with American Express, reshape Africa’s position in the global digital marketplace.

The partnership is part of a broader strategy to enhance payment solutions across the continent, making it easier for global enterprises to operate seamlessly in Africa.

The Flutterwave CEO stated,

“If you have an American Express card right now in New York, you can pay a Nigerian merchant on our platform and enjoy a seamless payment experience. And that expands the market size for an average African enterprise.”

“The whole point is we want to make Africa the hub of payment across the world. Not just for Africa alone, but want to also make it easy for any company operating anywhere in the world to bring their business to us in Africa,” Mr. Agboola added.

The collaboration, which has already integrated American Express Cards into Flutterwave’s payment in Nigeria and will soon be live in other African countries, supports the expansion of Amex’s global card footprint and enhances usability across diverse markets.

Briana Wilsey, commented, “American Express card members from all over the world are coming to Africa in more and more numbers. Through business, personal, and leisure travel, and so when they arrive, we want them to be able to use their card, and we want to make sure that local businesses benefit from the spending by international customers.”

Flutterwave’s infrastructure and payment capabilities provide the necessary backbone for global businesses like American Express to connect with African customers.

They also enable African businesses to unlock new opportunities across the continent. This makes Flutterwave a critical enabler for business growth in the region.

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Endeavor Global CEO Visits Nigeria, Highlighting Commitment to Tech Innovation, Entrepreneurship https://techeconomy.ng/linda-rottenberg-endeavor-ceo-visits-nigeria-highlighting-commitment-to-tech-innovation-entrepreneurship/ https://techeconomy.ng/linda-rottenberg-endeavor-ceo-visits-nigeria-highlighting-commitment-to-tech-innovation-entrepreneurship/#respond Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:51:10 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=137162 Linda Rottenberg, the Global CEO of Endeavor, made a unique visit to Nigeria from July 6th to 9th, 2024. 

This visit celebrated the country’s vibrant tech industry and entrepreneurial vigor.

Organised by Endeavor Nigeria’s Managing Director and CEO, Ireayomide Oladunjoye, the series of events sought to cultivate partnerships, enhance digital innovation, and support emerging tech leaders.

Joy Mabia, Marketing and Communications Manager at Endeavor Nigeria, highlighted that the visit began with a meeting between Linda Rottenberg and Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave and Endeavor Nigeria board member. 

Their discussion centered around the fintech sector’s growth and its indispensable role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Linda Rottenberg also engaged with the media, participating in press interviews with tech journalists from Nigeria, including Tage Kene-Okafor (TechCrunch), Dámiláre Dòsùnmú (Rest of World), Ganiu Oloruntade (TechCabal), Emeka Ajene (AfriDigest), David Afolarin (TechNext), and Dennis Da-ala Mirilla (Pulse).

During these interviews, she shared her insights on Endeavor’s mission, achievements, and future plans in the region, emphasising the importance of grooming local talent and enabling a solid entrepreneurial environment.

A dynamic networking event was held afterwards, where Linda engaged with founders and pipeline entrepreneurs from Endeavor Nigeria’s portfolio companies, providing valuable insights and engagement. 

Attendees included Josh Chibueze of PiggyVest, Ngozi and Chijioke Dozie from Carbon, Obi Emetarom of Zone, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola of Flutterwave, Mudiaga Mowoe of Matta, Emeka Emetarom of Qore, Tayo Oviosu from Paga, Etop Ikpe of Autocheck, Chinedu Azodoh of MAX, Peter Bunor of Field, Olumide Fayankin from Vendease, Anu Adedoyin Adasolum of Sabi, Benjamen Oladokun of Shekel Mobility, Tomilola Majekodunmi from Bankly, and Daumantas Dvilinskas of TransferGo.

On the second day, Bolaji Balogun, chairman of the Endeavor Nigeria Board and CEO of Chapel Hill Denham, gave an in-depth presentation on the Nigerian digital industry. This presentation shed light on the unique opportunities and challenges within the country’s digital sector.

The presentation was attended by notable individuals such as Phil Southwell, Partner at Chapel Hill Denham; Akeem Shadare, Managing Director at Chapel Hill Denham Securities; Mojisola Adeniyi from Chapel Hill Denham’s Investment Bank; Tosin Dabiri, Acting Managing Director at SME.NG; Frances Ajumobi, Retail Strategy at Chapel Hill Denham; Viva Obioha, Chief People Officer at Chapel Hill Denham; and Ori Rewane, Director of Corporate Development at Chapel Hill Denham.

Several Endeavor Nigeria Board Members including Christian Wessels, CEO of Daystar Power; Sari El-Khalil, Chief Transformation Officer at Seven-Up Bottling Company; Derin Adebayo, Manager of Entrepreneur Selection at Endeavor Global; and Ayobami Olajide, Senior Associate of Entrepreneur Selection and Growth at Endeavor Nigeria, also attended.

Linda Rottenberg Endeavor CEO Visits Nigeria, Highlighting Commitment to Tech Innovation, Entrepreneurship
Virtual meeting with Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy

Later, Linda Rottenberg and Bolaji Balogun virtually met with the Honorable Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Dr. Bosun Tijani. 

Their discussions focused on the government’s role in supporting the tech ecosystem, creating jobs, and fostering an environment that enables businesses to thrive. 

The conversation also covered the proposed collaboration with Endeavor Nigeria on the 3MTT program, which aims to train three million people in tech talents, highlighting the commitment to nurturing local talent and driving digital skills development. 

Attendees included Francis Sani, technical adviser, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital to the Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and Chisom Amadi Lead, 3MTT Partnerships and Placements.

The day concluded with an event dedicated to female founders and executives in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. 

The event featured a fireside chat between Linda Rottenberg and Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, Host of Business Week, Arise TV. 

This event was an opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s foremost leaders in entrepreneurship to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for female entrepreneurs. 

It emphasized the need to amplify women at every stage of their journey to ensure a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem. Despite female-led companies in Africa attracting less than 5% of venture capital, the future should include female entrepreneurs getting equal access to capital, resources, and leadership opportunities. This event was sponsored by SME.NG and Alitheia Capital.

The final day featured a series of strategic meetings with Endeavor Entrepreneurs such as Tayo Oviosu and Jay Alabraba of Paga, Board Members such as Christian Wessels of Daystar Power, investors such as Tosin Faniro-Dada of Breega, and journalists such as Anthony Osae Brown of Bloomberg and Tage Kene-Okafor of TechCrunch. 

These discussions were pivotal in strengthening relationships, exploring investment opportunities, and furthering Endeavor’s mission of supporting high-impact entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and job creation.

Linda Rottenberg’s visit to Nigeria reaffirmed Endeavor’s dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. 

The series of events highlighted Endeavor’s role in driving innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

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