Global payments giant PayPal has entered into a strategic partnership with TerraPay to enable real-time money transfers across Africa and the Middle East, in a move expected to boost financial inclusion and digital payment access across the regions.
The collaboration is set to streamline cross-border transactions by integrating PayPal’s global platform with TerraPay’s digital infrastructure, which includes support for mobile wallets and financial institutions. The partnership will bridge existing connectivity gaps in regional financial ecosystems by linking mobile wallets and bank accounts directly to PayPal.
TerraPay will act as the payments enabler in the partnership, allowing users to send and receive funds securely and instantly, a significant step for individuals and small businesses that rely on cross-border transactions.
Commenting on the partnership, Otto Abasi Williams, a senior executive involved in the collaboration, said: “The collaboration will enable people and businesses across MEA to send, receive, and grow with confidence on the global stage.”
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The move comes amid a sharp rise in digital payment adoption across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. According to market projections, the digital payments sector in MENA is expected to grow from USD 251.34 billion in 2025 to USD 422.56 billion by 2030, driven by smartphone penetration, e-commerce expansion, and fintech innovation.
PayPal said the alliance aligns with its long-term goal of building a frictionless global commerce experience, particularly in underserved markets.
TerraPay, which specializes in interoperability across financial platforms, is seen as a key player in resolving the fragmentation challenges that have historically plagued cross-border transactions in emerging economies.
The partnership is expected to benefit individuals, freelancers, and SMEs by offering faster and more accessible transfer options, especially in areas where formal banking access is limited. Analysts say the move could also attract remittance flows into the digital space, further integrating informal economies into mainstream financial systems.
The PayPal-TerraPay partnership is part of a wider industry trend toward inclusive financial technology solutions, with both companies betting on the MEA region’s accelerating shift toward digital finance.
