Nigerian fintech Paga and global payments company PayPal have announced the launch of live account linking for customers in Nigeria, enabling users to access PayPal-supported cross-border payments directly through Paga’s digital wallet.
With the integration now live, Nigerian users can receive international payments via PayPal and withdraw those funds locally in naira through Paga.
The partnership allows users to link their PayPal accounts to their Paga wallets, enabling them to receive payments from PayPal-supported markets, shop with global merchants, and access funds in Nigeria. Nigerian merchants and entrepreneurs can also leverage the integration to reach PayPal’s global network of more than 400 million users and expand their businesses internationally.
Through Paga’s platform, users can withdraw PayPal balances, spend via card, transfer funds to local bank accounts, and pay bills and merchants within the Paga ecosystem.
According to Paga’s Founder and Group CEO, Tayo Oviosu, the integration is designed to make it easier for freelancers, businesses, and consumers to access and use global funds locally and securely.
“We are proud to make this integration live and available to users across Nigeria,” Oviosu said. “Whether you’re a freelancer receiving international payments, a business selling online, or a consumer shopping globally, this collaboration makes it easier to access and use global funds locally, in a way that’s simple, secure, and built for our markets.”
In the early 2000s, PayPal partially restricted Nigerians from using the platform, allowing them to send funds internationally but not receive them, due to an increase in fraudulent activity. While PayPal has not fully opened its platform to Nigeria, the integration with Paga provides users with functional access to PayPal services through a local wallet.
Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa, Otto Williams, noted that the partnership aligns with PayPal’s focus on working with local innovators to support financial inclusion and participation in the digital economy.
“We’ve been intentional about partnering with local innovators like Paga and developing solutions that help Nigerians earn, spend, and grow,” Williams said. “This collaboration helps strengthen the broader payments ecosystem by supporting local innovation, expanding financial inclusion, and enabling more consumers and businesses to participate confidently in the digital economy.”
Victoria Fakiya – Senior Writer
Techpoint Digest
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The announcement comes amid rapid growth in Nigeria’s digital payments market, which recorded ₦657.8 trillion in transaction value in 2023 and over 30 million active mobile wallet users. With more than 21 million users and a growing API infrastructure, Paga is positioned to scale PayPal’s services nationwide through its local settlement network, digital wallet, and Visa card integrations.
