Flutterwave has marked its 10th anniversary with renewed confidence in Nigeria’s role as a global fintech powerhouse, as the company consolidates its position as the world’s most licensed non-bank financial technology firm.
The milestone was celebrated at a high-profile gala in Lagos, where the company reflected on a decade-long journey that transformed Africa’s fragmented payment landscape into a globally connected digital ecosystem. Founded in 2016, Flutterwave emerged at a time when cross-border payments across African markets were slow, costly and inefficient, limiting the growth potential of small and medium-sized businesses.
Flutterwave’s evolution has been driven by a clear focus on simplifying payments, expanding market access, and enabling African businesses to compete globally. From its early days addressing basic transfer challenges between African countries, the company has grown into a global payments infrastructure provider operating in more than 35 countries.
Speaking at the event, Flutterwave Chief Executive Officer Olugbenga Agboola said the company’s journey reflects resilience, innovation and belief in Africa’s economic potential. He recalled a period when moving funds between West African cities often required routing transactions through overseas financial centres, a challenge that shaped Flutterwave’s original mission.
Over the past decade, the fintech firm has processed more than one billion transactions valued at over 50 billion dollars, while securing more than 50 operating licences across multiple jurisdictions. This extensive regulatory footprint has positioned Flutterwave as the most licensed non-bank entity globally, strengthening its credibility with regulators, merchants and international partners.
Agboola said the company’s long-term strategy centres on building payment-agnostic infrastructure that connects commerce, logistics and financial services, allowing businesses and consumers to transact seamlessly across borders. According to him, Flutterwave’s platform is designed to unlock economic value regardless of geography.
The anniversary event drew prominent political and business leaders, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and MTN Nigeria Board Chairman Ernest Ndukwe.
Beyond Africa, Flutterwave has expanded operations across the United States, the United Kingdom and key European markets, enabling African businesses to scale internationally while reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as a centre for world-class digital innovation.
Reaffirming its roots, the company said Nigeria remains its operational base, adding that its global success demonstrates the scale and competitiveness of Nigerian enterprise. As Flutterwave enters its second decade, industry watchers say its growth trajectory highlights a broader shift in how African fintech brands are reshaping global financial services and redefining the continent’s role in the digital economy.
