dLocal Partners with Wakanow to Enhance Payment Options for African Travelers

dLocal, a Latin America-Based financial technology company that provides cross-border payments connecting global merchants to emerging markets, has partnered with travel technology company Wakanow Group, to enable travel customers across Africa to pay in their local currencies.

This collaboration aims to broaden Wakanow’s operational footprint on the continent, enhancing payment flexibility and accessibility for African travelers.

Currently, only 30 percent of travel bookings in Africa are conducted online, significantly lower than the global average of 50 percent. Through its partnership with dLocal, Wakanow seeks to address this gap by allowing customers to book travel services and pay in their local currencies or preferred payment methods on the Wakanow website.

This initiative is expected to facilitate smoother transactions and promote greater online engagement within the African travel industry.

“When we sought a payment solution that could handle the complexities of African travel markets, dLocal was a clear choice,” explained Bayo Adedeji, group CEO of Wakanow. “Their strong presence and expertise within the continent, alongside their scalable solutions, made them an ideal partner. We are eager to accelerate our growth with the support of dLocal’s robust platform and team.”

Also speaking on the partnership, Agustin Botta, head of EMEA from dLocal, said,

“As Wakanow continues to dominate the travel industry in Africa, and particularly Nigeria, our collaboration will serve as a pivotal bridge between the continent and the global economy. Offering local payment options not only simplifies transactions but also makes global travel more accessible and convenient for millions across Africa, enhancing the customer experience and opening up new markets for business.”

The partnership was facilitated by Wakanow’s travel fintech subsidiary, Kalabash, which also aims to empower travellers by simplifying cross-border payments and offering flexible payment solutions that cater to the unique needs of the African travel market.

Credit: The FintechTimes