Flutterwave CEO Marks Decade with Global Licensing Milestone
Flutterwave Chief Executive Officer Olugbenga Agboola, widely known as GB, commemorated the fintech company's 10th anniversary by highlighting its remarkable journey from addressing Africa's inefficient payment systems to establishing a globally recognized financial infrastructure. Speaking at a lavish Gala Night held at The Delborough Lagos, Agboola described the event as a celebration of shared prosperity, innovation, and Nigeria's pivotal role in advancing fintech across the continent.
Reflecting on Early Challenges and Mission
Agboola recalled the daunting challenges of 2015 and 2016, when sending money from Lagos to Accra often required routing funds through New York, a process slower than physically carrying cash on a plane. "That was the reality of payment infrastructure in Africa and Nigeria at that time," he stated. Founded in 2016, Flutterwave set out with a clear mission: to expand market access for small businesses, enable seamless cross-border payments, and create opportunities for Nigerians both domestically and internationally.
Distinguished Guests and Support Acknowledged
The anniversary event was graced by notable dignitaries, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and MTN Nigeria Board Chairman Ernest Ndukwe, among other business and industry leaders. Agboola also paid tribute to Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, founder of Stanel Group and The Delborough Lagos, for providing the venue and support that made the celebration possible.
Unprecedented Growth and Global Reach
Highlighting Flutterwave's exponential growth, Agboola revealed that the company has become the most licensed non-bank entity worldwide, operating in over 35 countries and holding more than 50 licenses globally. Over the past decade, Flutterwave has processed over one billion transactions, totaling more than $50 billion, all while maintaining a strong reputation for integrity and reliability in financial dealings.
Vision for a Seamless Payment Ecosystem
"Our goal has always been to build a payment-agnostic platform that connects commerce, logistics, and payments seamlessly," Agboola explained. "We want businesses and consumers to transact easily and create value everywhere." He emphasized that Flutterwave is not only deepening its investments in Nigeria but also enabling businesses to scale internationally, with operations now extending to the U.S., U.K., and European markets through strategic partnerships and robust banking infrastructure.
Commitment to Nigerian Innovation
In his concluding remarks, Agboola reaffirmed Flutterwave's commitment to Nigeria as its home and operational base, stressing that the company's success showcases the potential of Nigerian innovation on the global stage. "The Nigerian name, our heritage, should be associated with excellence, growth, and enterprise that scales," he said, encouraging attendees and entrepreneurs to leverage Flutterwave's platform to expand their businesses worldwide.
