All-in-one global payment processing, dLocaljoins forces with the travel technology company Wakanow Groupto enable travel customers across Africa to pay in their local currencies.
Through the partnership with dLocal, Wakanow hopes to expand its operational footprint across the continent, enhancing payment flexibility and accessibility for African travelers.
Currently, the global travel industry sees only 30 percent of its bookings in Africa made online – well behind the global average of 50 percent. By partnering with dLocal, Wakanow customers can book travel services and pay in their local currency or preferred payment methods on Wakanow’s website.
“When we looked for a payment solution that could address the complexities of African travel markets, dLocal was a clear choice,” he explained Bayo Adedeji, CEO of the Wakanow Group. “Their strong presence and expertise on the continent, alongside their scalable solutions, made them an ideal partner. We look forward to accelerating our growth with the support of dLocal’s powerful platform and team.”
This partnership will seek to bridge a critical gap and connect African travelers to global destinations. The partnership has already facilitated dLocal payments in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tanzania, with further expansion plans on the horizon, including in South Africa.
Making world travel more affordable
Agustin Botta, head of EMEA from dLocal, commented: “As Wakanow continues to dominate the travel industry in Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, our partnership 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, improving the customer experience and opening up new markets for businesses.”
The partnership was facilitated by Wakanow’s travel fintech subsidiary, Calambawhich also aims to empower travelers by simplifying cross-border payments and offering flexible payment solutions that meet the unique needs of the African travel market.
Lady Ojuri, CEO of Kalabash, also said: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Kalabash as we strengthen our capabilities to serve not only the Nigerian market but the wider African market with cutting-edge payment solutions. Working with dLocal enables us to deliver a more seamless and efficient transaction experience, which is fundamental as we push the boundaries of what is possible in travel finance and technology.”