In a strategic move that promises to transform digital payments across Africa, Flutterwave has announced a groundbreaking partnership with American Express, enabling online merchants in Nigeria to accept payments from American Express Card Members. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to expand payment capabilities and connect African businesses to global markets.
The partnership initially launches in Nigeria, with immediate plans to extend services to other African countries, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda. This expansion demonstrates Flutterwave’s commitment to creating more accessible and versatile payment solutions across the continent.
For Flutterwave merchants, the collaboration presents a remarkable opportunity to tap into a new and extensive customer base. American Express Card Members—spanning consumer, business, and corporate card holders—can now make direct payments to e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave’s platform. This integration not only broadens merchant reach but also provides shoppers with increased payment flexibility.
Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership. “We’re consistently seeking ways to connect the world to Africa through payments,” Agboola stated. The collaboration aims to simplify transaction processes, making payments faster and more straightforward for American Express cardholders while supporting e-commerce businesses in their local and global expansion efforts.
The partnership builds upon Flutterwave’s impressive technological infrastructure. The company has already processed an extraordinary 630 million transactions, totaling more than USD $31 billion. Its platform supports a diverse range of transaction types through a single API, serving high-profile clients like Uber and Air Peace across various industries.
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, highlighted the mutual benefits of the agreement. The collaboration enables e-commerce merchants in Nigeria to reach American Express Card Members worldwide, effectively increasing the number of locations where card members can make purchases.
This strategic move aligns with American Express’s long-standing presence in Africa, where the company has been operating for over 50 years. The partnership strengthens the company’s global network and increases its footprint across African markets, providing more payment choices for businesses and consumers.
Flutterwave’s infrastructure spans 34 African countries, positioning the company as a critical enabler of digital economic growth. The partnership with American Express further solidifies its role in connecting local businesses to international markets, offering unprecedented opportunities for e-commerce expansion.
The collaboration goes beyond simple payment processing. It represents a significant step in creating more integrated, accessible, and flexible digital payment ecosystems. By providing merchants with advanced payment solutions and consumers with more diverse payment options, Flutterwave continues to drive innovation in the African financial technology landscape.
This partnership is more than a technical integration—it’s a strategic alliance that promises to reshape how businesses and consumers interact in the digital marketplace. As Flutterwave continues to push boundaries and expand its reach, partnerships like these demonstrate the company’s commitment to connecting Africa with global economic opportunities.
The future of African e-commerce looks increasingly promising, with Flutterwave at the forefront of driving digital transformation and economic connectivity across the continent.
