PayPal launches in Nigeria through Paga, letting users receive international payments and spend funds in naira for the first time in over 20 years

Nigeria has taken a major step in cross-border digital payments as PayPal officially launched in the country through a strategic partnership with local fintech company Paga, enabling Nigerians to receive international payments and access funds in naira for the first time in more than two decades.

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The integration allows users to link PayPal accounts directly to Paga digital wallets, enabling global payments from PayPal-supported markets and local withdrawals in naira.

Funds can also be used for everyday needs, including bill payments, bank transfers, online purchases, and transactions via Paga’s Visa card.

The development offers a significant boost to freelancers, online entrepreneurs, and small businesses that have previously faced challenges in accessing PayPal services directly.

It also opens new opportunities for Nigerian merchants to sell to over 400 million PayPal users worldwide.

Tayo Oviosu, founder and Group CEO of Paga, said the integration aims to make global earnings more accessible to Nigerians.

“This partnership will benefit freelancers, online businesses, and consumers by allowing them to easily receive, use, and manage international funds within the local economy,” he said.

Otto Williams, PayPal’s Senior Vice President and Regional Head for the Middle East and Africa, noted that the company worked closely with local innovators to develop solutions tailored to Nigeria.

He said the partnership will strengthen the payments ecosystem, expand financial inclusion, and allow more Nigerians to participate confidently in the digital economy.

Nigeria’s digital payments sector has grown rapidly, with transaction values reaching N657.8 trillion in 2023 and over 30 million active mobile wallet users, according to Novatia Consulting.

Paga, with more than 21 million users and a strong API-driven infrastructure, is well-positioned to scale PayPal’s services nationwide through its settlement network.

Users can access the service by logging into the Paga app or website, linking their PayPal accounts, and receiving international payments directly into their Paga wallets, which can then be transferred, spent, or withdrawn locally.

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Industry experts say the partnership marks a milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s financial infrastructure, easing access to global income streams, and empowering small businesses and individuals to participate more fully in the global digital economy.