, a global fintech company specializing in cross-border payment solutions, announced on that it plans to acquire , a Nairobi-based digital finance firm. AZA Finance offers payment and foreign exchange services tailored to businesses operating in Africa. The value of the deal was not disclosed and is still subject to regulatory approval in countries where both firms operate.

Founded in in , dLocal provides a platform that helps global merchants process payments across more than in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Its services include local payment collection, international money transfers, and digital payment tools for online platforms.

dLocal sees Africa as a high-growth market for digital and cross-border payments. The acquisition of AZA Finance is expected to on the continent.

AZA Finance, previously known as BitPesa, was launched in in . Since then, it has processed worth a combined total of . The company serves clients in , offering services such as currency trading, international payments, treasury management, and settlement solutions for businesses.

By acquiring AZA Finance, dLocal will gain stronger operational capacity in Africa, particularly in . The move will also bring in additional technical capabilities, including . Just as important, AZA adds and on-the-ground knowledge that dLocal says will be key to accelerating its growth strategy in the region.

, Chief Operating Officer of dLocal, said the acquisition would make it easier for dLocal's global merchants to reach Africa’s fast-growing economies:

“Our acquisition of AZA Finance will increase access for our global merchants to Africa’s dynamic, growing markets, while further strengthening our commitment to the region. By combining dLocal and AZA Finance, we are well-positioned to offer innovative, efficient, and localized payment solutions to help businesses and individuals prosper in this rapidly evolving region.”

According to a report released by on the African cross-border payments market is expected to , growing from about . The report forecasts , driven by increased adoption of digital tools and rising intra-African migration.

Still, several barriers remain. Africa has the , ranging between depending on the payment corridor. These high costs stem from multiple factors, including fragmented regulations, poor interoperability between payment systems, and continued reliance on traditional money transfer channels.