Dakar, June 2025 – African fintech just witnessed one of its biggest deals as AZA Finance, a pan-African leader in cross-border payments, was acquired by dLocal for approximately $150 million.
This move gives dLocal a stronger foothold in the African market, while empowering AZA Finance to scale operations in over 15 African countries.
💳 Who Is AZA Finance?
Founded in 2013 (formerly known as BitPesa), AZA Finance offers:
- Cross-border B2B payments
- Local currency FX solutions
- Treasury services for African businesses
Headquartered in Nairobi, with offices in Lagos, Dakar, and Accra, the company processes over $1 billion in transactions per year.
🌐 Strengthening South-South Trade
With this acquisition, dLocal aims to:
- Expand into Francophone and Sub-Saharan Africa
- Speed up and simplify South-South financial flows
- Provide compliant and scalable payment rails for global businesses in Africa
💬 Executive Reactions
“This marks a pivotal moment for digital trade in Africa. Together, we can connect emerging markets like never before.”
— Elizabeth Rossiello, CEO & Founder, AZA Finance
“Africa is a core market for dLocal. AZA brings unparalleled local payment expertise and reach.”
— Sebastián Kanovich, CEO, dLocal
📈 Positive Signal for Africa’s Startup Ecosystem
This acquisition demonstrates the growing maturity of African fintechs, attracting large-scale international investment. It also reflects:
- The acceleration of digital commerce on the continent
- Rising global investor confidence
- The need for localized financial infrastructure
✅ Conclusion: Toward Faster, Inclusive Finance in Africa
AZA Finance’s acquisition by dLocal marks a major step toward more efficient and inclusive financial ecosystems in Africa. The deal opens new doors for businesses and supports financial inclusion across emerging economies.
