In a significant development for Nigeria’s digital payment landscape, Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership enabling online merchants in Nigeria to accept American Express payments. This strategic collaboration marks a substantial expansion of payment options for Nigerian e-commerce businesses, with future plans to extend the service to merchants in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda.
Under the leadership of Flutterwave CEO Agboola, the integration allows American Express cardholders – whether using consumer, business, or corporate cards – to make direct payments to Nigerian e-commerce businesses through the Flutterwave platform. The partnership represents a significant milestone in connecting African merchants with global payment systems, particularly benefiting Nigerian online retailers seeking to expand their customer base.
“At Flutterwave, we’re continuously seeking ways to bridge Africa with global payment solutions,” stated Flutterwave CEO Agboola. He emphasized that this integration would streamline the payment process for American Express cardholders while enhancing the experience for e-commerce businesses utilizing the Flutterwave platform, enabling them to “start locally and sell globally.”
The collaboration brings multiple advantages for both merchants and consumers. Nigerian businesses using Flutterwave can now tap into an expanded customer base, accessing American Express cardholders across Africa and worldwide. This development strengthens the American Express global network’s presence in Africa, increasing the number of locations where cardholders can make purchases across the continent.
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, characterized the partnership as mutually beneficial, noting that it expands payment options for businesses and consumers while increasing American Express’s footprint in Nigeria. “Through the agreement with Flutterwave, a trusted payment provider, we are creating new opportunities for e-commerce merchants in Nigeria to reach American Express Card Members globally,” Wilsey explained.
This integration follows Flutterwave’s recent expansion efforts across Africa. In August 2024, the company secured a Payment Service Provider license (Enhanced Category) from the Bank of Ghana, allowing independent operations without third-party services. This development came after Flutterwave’s expansion into Mozambique in May 2024, demonstrating the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence across the continent.
The company’s growth trajectory shows a pattern of strategic partnerships and expansions. While Flutterwave has previously collaborated with other global payment providers like PayPal, the current American Express integration specifically benefits Nigerian merchants, addressing a gap in international payment options for local businesses.
For African merchants, particularly those in Nigeria, this development represents a significant step toward easier integration with global payment systems. The partnership simplifies cross-border transactions and provides access to a broader international customer base, particularly beneficial for businesses looking to expand their reach beyond local markets.
The integration reflects Flutterwave’s mission to facilitate seamless payment experiences across Africa while connecting local businesses with global opportunities. As the company continues to expand its services and partnerships, this collaboration with American Express marks another milestone in making digital payments more accessible and efficient for African merchants and international customers alike.
The partnership demonstrates Flutterwave’s ongoing commitment to developing Africa’s digital payment infrastructure while creating new opportunities for local businesses to participate in the global digital economy. Through such strategic initiatives, the company continues to strengthen its position as a leading force in Africa’s fintech landscape.
