A transformative partnership between Flutterwave and American Express has been announced, signaling a major advancement in digital payment capabilities across Africa. The initiative, revealed by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, enables Nigerian online merchants to accept payments from American Express cardholders, marking a significant milestone in cross-border commerce.
The collaboration positions Flutterwave’s e-commerce merchants in Nigeria to process transactions from American Express Card Members across all categories – consumer, business, and corporate cards. Looking ahead, Flutterwave CEO Agboola confirmed plans to expand this service to neighboring markets, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda, demonstrating the company’s commitment to regional growth.
The statistics underscore Flutterwave’s market leadership, with the company processing an impressive 630 million transactions valued at over USD $31 billion. This achievement reflects the platform’s robust infrastructure, which serves prominent clients including Uber and Air Peace through its streamlined API system.
Speaking on the partnership’s significance, Flutterwave CEO Agboola articulated the company’s vision of connecting global markets with Africa through seamless payment solutions. “Our focus remains on creating pathways for global commerce to integrate with African markets,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of providing versatile payment options that benefit both merchants and consumers.
The collaboration brings substantial advantages to the e-commerce ecosystem. Merchants gain access to American Express’s extensive cardholder network, while shoppers benefit from increased payment flexibility. This strategic alignment strengthens American Express’s African presence while expanding transaction possibilities for their Card Members throughout the region.
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, highlighted the partnership’s mutual benefits, noting how it simultaneously broadens payment options for businesses and consumers while reinforcing American Express’s presence in Nigerian markets.
The integration streamlines payment processing for American Express cardholders while enhancing operational capabilities for e-commerce businesses utilizing Flutterwave’s platform. This development aligns with the company’s strategy of enabling businesses to establish strong local foundations while pursuing international opportunities.
This announcement follows several strategic achievements, including obtaining a Payment Service Provider license in Ghana and expanding into Mozambique. Through its comprehensive payment infrastructure spanning 34 African countries, Flutterwave facilitates various transaction types, from local and international card payments to mobile wallet transfers.
The partnership represents a significant step forward in African financial technology, reinforcing Flutterwave’s position as a catalyst for digital commerce innovation. By combining American Express’s global network with Flutterwave’s regional expertise, the collaboration creates new opportunities for businesses to expand their reach while providing consumers with enhanced payment options.
This strategic alignment demonstrates Flutterwave’s ongoing commitment to developing Africa’s digital payment infrastructure, setting new standards for cross-border commerce and financial inclusion across the continent.