Nigerian payment infrastructure giant secures rare investment-grade trifecta, reshaping global fintech perceptions
Lagos, Nigeria – In a watershed moment for African financial technology, homegrown payments powerhouse Payaza has achieved the unprecedented feat of securing three consecutive investment-grade ratings, culminating in its latest Bbb rating from Agusto & Co. This triple-crown validation positions the Nigerian fintech as a trailblazer in a sector often criticized for prioritizing growth over governance.
The Rating Hat-Trick Breakdown
Agusto & Co. (Bbb): Praised capital adequacy and risk management
Moody’s-affiliated GCR: Highlighted pan-African expansion success
DataPro: Recognized operational transparency and compliance
“This isn’t just about Payaza – it’s proof that African fintechs can surpass global benchmarks,” declared CEO Seyi Ebenezer.
By the Numbers: Payaza’s Financial Discipline
₦50B Commercial Paper: Largest ever for a Nigerian fintech
100% Debt Repayment: ₦14.97B cleared 6 months early
21-Country Footprint: Processed $2.8B in 2024 transactions
Embedded Finance API: Adopted by 3,000+ African businesses
Why This Changes the Game
Investor Confidence: Unlocks institutional capital at lower rates
Regulatory Trust: Sets new compliance benchmark for peers
Market Expansion: Strengthens partnerships with global banks
Contrast: While African fintechs raised $2B+ in 2024, few demonstrated Payaza’s profitability-repayment discipline
The Road Ahead
Q3 2025: Second ₦5.36B debt tranche repayment (expected early)
New Products: Merchant cash advance platform testing
Strategic Moves: Advanced talks with 3 European payment processors
Sector Impact:
• Forces reevaluation of African fintech risk profiles
• Validates Nigeria’s fintech regulatory framework
• Opens door for more local commercial paper issuances
Expert View:
“Payaza just rewrote the rulebook – they’ve shown you can scale fast without burning cash,” says FSD Africa’s director of digital innovation.
