Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has announced a significant expansion of payment options for online merchants in Nigeria. The fintech giant has partnered with American Express to enable its e-commerce businesses to accept payments from American Express Card Members, including those with consumer, business, and corporate cards.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Nigerian e-commerce, opening up new avenues for businesses to tap into a broader customer base. Flutterwave’s initiative aligns with its mission to connect Africa to the global economy through seamless payment solutions. The partnership is set to extend beyond Nigeria, with plans to roll out the service to Flutterwave merchants in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda shortly.

Integrating American Express payments into Flutterwave’s platform offers a dual benefit. For merchants, it presents an opportunity to attract a new segment of customers, boosting sales and expanding market reach. Simultaneously, American Express Card Members gain increased flexibility in their payment options when shopping with Nigerian online retailers.

Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, emphasized the company’s commitment to bridging payment gaps between Africa and the rest of the world. He stated, “This collaboration provides more options of where to shop and what to buy to American Express cardholders across the globe.” Agboola highlighted that by offering American Express as a payment method, Flutterwave aims to streamline transactions for cardholders while enhancing the experience for e-commerce businesses using their platform.

The move is not just about facilitating payments; it’s about empowering African businesses to compete globally. By enabling local merchants to accept international payments more efficiently, Flutterwave is helping them “start locally and sell globally,” as Agboola put it. This aligns with the company’s track record of processing over 630 million transactions worth more than $31 billion, showcasing its significant impact on the African fintech landscape.

This partnership represents a strategic expansion of its African global network for American Express. Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, described the collaboration as a “win-win.” It provides e-commerce merchants in Nigeria access to American Express Card Members worldwide. It will increase the locations where these card members can use their cards in Nigeria.

The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. It comes just months after American Express introduced four new credit cards in Nigeria as part of its expansion efforts in May 2024. This latest partnership with Flutterwave further cements American Express’s commitment to the African market and recognition of the continent’s growing e-commerce sector.

Flutterwave’s expansion of payment options follows other significant developments for the company. In August 2024, Flutterwave received a Payment Service Provider license (Enhanced Category) from the Bank of Ghana, allowing it to operate independently without third-party services. This license and the American Express partnership underscores Flutterwave’s growing influence and capabilities in the African fintech space.

As cross-border e-commerce continues gaining momentum, partnerships between Flutterwave and American Express play a crucial role in breaking down payment barriers. By facilitating easier transactions between Nigerian businesses and global consumers, this collaboration contributes to the broader goal of financial inclusion and economic growth across Africa.

For Nigerian online merchants, the ability to accept American Express payments through Flutterwave represents more than just an additional payment option. It’s a gateway to a broader customer base, enhanced credibility, and the potential for increased sales. As Flutterwave continues to innovate and expand its services, it remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital payment revolution, driving the continent’s integration into the global digital economy.