In a move set to reshape the future of international trade payments, Flutterwave has partnered with East Asia-based fintech NoraFirst to deliver seamless, localized B2B payment solutions between Africa and East Asia. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to simplify cross-border financial flows in regions with growing economic interdependence. With Africa–East Asia trade now exceeding $250 billion annually, the timing of this alliance is both strategic and timely.
Unlocking Trade Potential Across Continents
For years, a fragmented and inefficient payment infrastructure has hindered businesses looking to trade across Africa and East Asia. Many transactions rely on traditional banking rails or international card networks, both of which are slow, expensive, or unreliable. By combining Flutterwave’s robust African payments infrastructure with NoraFirst’s local receiving capabilities, the two fintech firms are aiming to localize cross-border collections and eliminate major friction points in global trade.
A Powerful Match of Infrastructure and Innovation
Flutterwave operates in over 30 African countries and has become a leading name in B2B payments, currently valued at over $3 billion. The company has built one of the most extensive financial networks on the continent, enabling local and international businesses to move money quickly and securely. NoraFirst, meanwhile, has developed one of Africa’s largest networks of local receiving accounts and brings deep expertise in navigating the region’s financial landscape.
Driving B2B Efficiency Without Card Dependency
At the heart of the partnership is a shared goal: to enable localized, non-card-based cross-border transactions that are fast, efficient, and cost-effective. Manufacturers, wholesalers, and exporters from both Africa and East Asia will benefit from smoother payment processes and more predictable cash flows. By reducing reliance on intermediaries, the collaboration promises to increase trade velocity and unlock new business opportunities across sectors.
Building the Future of Trade Infrastructure
Dongdong Wang, Founder and CEO of NoraFirst, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “We’re honored to collaborate with Flutterwave,” Wang said. “Together, we’ll unlock broader opportunities and drive the next wave of financial innovation in global–Africa trade.” His remarks underscore the companies’ commitment to building next-generation payment infrastructure tailored to the needs of high-growth regions.
A Milestone in Flutterwave’s Global Strategy
The partnership aligns with Flutterwave’s broader ambitions of expanding beyond Africa and building global financial rails connected to the continent. The company recently reintroduced its Send App in Europe and has made several international partnerships aimed at supporting the African diaspora and cross-border commerce. CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola commented, “This is just the beginning. We’re enabling the next wave of Africa–East Asia trade, fueling growth on both sides.”
Simplifying Trade in a $250 Billion Market
With trade volumes between Africa and East Asia continuing to grow, efficient payment solutions are now essential for global competitiveness. The Flutterwave–NoraFirst alliance addresses this need by offering localized solutions that help businesses reduce transaction costs and improve reliability. In doing so, the partnership is poised to remove long-standing trade barriers and provide a major boost to interregional commerce.
As global businesses increasingly look to emerging markets for growth, financial infrastructure must evolve to match the pace of trade. This partnership not only brings efficiency but also inclusion, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can access dependable cross-border payment tools. Together, Flutterwave and NoraFirst are laying the foundation for a more connected, scalable, and inclusive future in international commerce.