Wakanow Selects dLocal to Make Global Travel ‘More Accessible’ for Customers Across Africa | The Fintech Times

All-in-one global payment processor, dLocal, is joining forces with travel technology company Wakanow Group, to enable travel customers across Africa to pay in their local currencies. 

Through the partnership with dLocal, Wakanow hopes to broaden its operational footprint across the continent, enhancing payment flexibility and accessibility for African travellers.

Currently, the global travel industry only sees 30 per cent of its bookings in Africa conducted online – far behind the global average of 50 per cent. By collaborating with dLocal, Wakanow customers can book travel services and pay in their local currencies or preferred payment methods on the Wakanow website.

“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.”

This collaboration will look to bridge a crucial gap and connect African travellers to global destinations. The partnership has already facilitated dLocal-powered payments in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tanzania, with further expansion plans on the horizon, including South Africa.

Making global travel more accessible

Agustin Botta, head of EMEA from dLocal, commented: “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.

Ladi Ojuri, CEO of Kalabash, also said: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Kalabash as we enhance our capabilities to serve not only the Nigerian market but the broader African market with cutting-edge payment solutions. Working with dLocal enables us to offer a more seamless and efficient transaction experience, which is fundamental as we push the boundaries of what is possible in travel finance and tech.”