dLocal, a leading cross-border payments platform, has announced its intention to acquire AZA Finance, a prominent African fintech specializing in foreign exchange and payments. The deal, pending regulatory approval, aims to strengthen dLocal’s foothold in Africa and enhance its ability to serve businesses and individuals across emerging markets. This acquisition represents a significant step toward expanding digital payment infrastructure on the continent and beyond.
AZA Finance’s Journey and Market Impact
Founded in Nairobi in 2013 under the name BitPesa, AZA Finance has grown into Africa’s largest and most efficient trading desk for fiat and stablecoin foreign exchange. Over the past 11 years, AZA has built a trusted platform providing liquidity in African and G20 currencies to a diverse client base, including fintechs, banks, telcos, NGOs, and multinational companies. Its deep understanding of African markets and commitment to compliance has positioned it as a critical enabler of cross-border transactions in the region.
Strengthening Capabilities Through Synergy
AZA Finance’s team, renowned for its expertise and innovative solutions, will join forces with dLocal’s global payments platform, creating a robust ecosystem for cross-border payments. dLocal’s “One dLocal” approach—featuring a single API, platform, and contract—simplifies complex payment processes for global merchants operating in emerging markets. Integrating AZA’s technology and local insights with dLocal’s extensive reach will enable even more tailored, efficient, and innovative payment solutions for customers worldwide.
What the Acquisition Means for Customers
For current users of AZA Finance, including thousands of African and multinational businesses, the acquisition will not affect day-to-day operations during the transition period. Both companies will operate independently until the deal is finalized, ensuring continuity in customer experience. Once integrated, customers can expect expanded services and enhanced capabilities that will support business growth and facilitate smoother financial operations across borders.
AZA Finance’s Commitment to African Growth
Throughout its history, AZA Finance has maintained a strong mission to support African trade and business development through technology-driven financial solutions. The company has earned multiple accolades for its innovative products and commitment to regulatory compliance, which has helped it navigate complex local markets successfully. By joining dLocal, AZA aims to leverage a broader platform to accelerate its mission of enabling seamless payments and currency exchange across the continent.
dLocal’s Role in Emerging Market Payments
dLocal has established itself as a global leader in connecting enterprises to billions of consumers in emerging markets, including regions such as APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Its platform allows companies to accept payments, send payouts, and settle funds without managing numerous local payment processors or entities. This streamlined approach is highly valued by global merchants seeking to expand into complex markets with ease and compliance.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Cross-Border Payments
As the acquisition process advances through regulatory scrutiny, both dLocal and AZA Finance express optimism about the opportunities this union will create. The combined entity is poised to offer unprecedented scale and innovation in cross-border payment services, fostering greater economic integration between Africa and the rest of the world. Customers, partners, and stakeholders can look forward to enhanced financial technology solutions that empower businesses and individuals alike.
The pending acquisition of AZA Finance by dLocal signals a transformative moment for fintech in Africa, highlighting the region’s growing importance in global financial networks. By blending AZA’s local expertise with dLocal’s global infrastructure, the partnership promises to unlock new possibilities for seamless cross-border transactions. This collaboration will ultimately support economic growth and digital innovation across emerging markets for years to come.