In a landmark announcement, Africa’s leading payments technology company Flutterwave has established a groundbreaking partnership with American Express, marking a significant advancement in digital payment capabilities for Nigerian merchants. The initiative, spearheaded by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, introduces a new era of payment accessibility for online businesses across the region.
The collaboration enables Nigerian e-commerce merchants utilizing Flutterwave’s platform to process payments from American Express Card Members, encompassing individual consumers, business accounts, and corporate cardholders. This enhancement extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, with implementation planned for neighboring markets including Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda, signaling a broader regional strategy.
Under the strategic direction of Flutterwave CEO Agboola, the company has demonstrated remarkable growth, processing more than 630 million transactions exceeding USD $31 billion in value. This achievement underscores Flutterwave’s position as a crucial facilitator of digital commerce, serving prominent clients such as Uber and Air Peace through its unified API infrastructure.
The partnership delivers substantial benefits for the e-commerce ecosystem. Merchants gain access to American Express’s extensive cardholder network, while consumers enjoy enhanced payment flexibility. This synergy strengthens American Express’s African presence while expanding transaction capabilities for their Card Members across the continent.
Addressing the partnership’s significance, Flutterwave CEO Agboola emphasized the company’s mission of bridging global markets with Africa through innovative payment solutions. He highlighted the initiative’s role in facilitating worldwide access to African commerce, noting the importance of providing both merchants and consumers with efficient, reliable payment options that support business growth and customer satisfaction.
Briana Wilsey, representing American Express as Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA, characterized the collaboration as mutually advantageous. She emphasized how the partnership simultaneously expands payment accessibility for businesses and consumers while strengthening American Express’s footprint in Nigerian markets.
The integration promises to optimize payment processing for American Express cardholders while enhancing operational capabilities for e-commerce enterprises utilizing Flutterwave’s platform. This development aligns with the company’s broader strategy of enabling businesses to establish strong local foundations while pursuing international market opportunities.
This announcement follows recent company milestones, including securing a Payment Service Provider license in Ghana and expanding operations into Mozambique. Through its extensive payment infrastructure spanning 34 African countries, Flutterwave continues to facilitate diverse transaction types, including local and international card payments, mobile wallet transfers, and various digital payment methods.
The partnership represents a significant advancement in African financial technology, reinforcing Flutterwave’s commitment to creating a more interconnected payment ecosystem across the continent. With its comprehensive approach to payment solutions and strategic partnerships, Flutterwave continues to drive innovation in African digital commerce, setting new standards for payment processing and merchant services across the region.
