Lagos-based fintech giant Flutterwave has launched a new stock-trading feature for African users, enabling them to invest in US equities via their local currencies.
The rollout began in late June, following an integration with US-based brokerage API provider Alpaca, and is currently available in Nigeria and Kenya, with plans to expand to more African markets.
The new offering lets users purchase fractional shares of US stocks directly through Flutterwave’s app or thirdparty platforms integrated with its API. Notably, the system facilitates real-time settlement in local currencies and integrates with existing mobile wallets, providing seamless access for first-time retail investors across the continent.
The move marks Flutterwave’s entry into wealthtech, expanding its suite beyond core payments infrastructure. Founded in 2016 in Lagos, the company has become Africa’s most valuable payments startup, with a valuation exceeding $3 billion. It processes billions of dollars annually across 33 African countries, powering payments for global firms including Uber, Meta, and Microsoft.
Flutterwave’s wealthtech ambitions are reinforced by its acquisition of US-based money transfer platform Orbital in February 2025. The deal—whose value was not disclosed—strengthened the company’s remittance capabilities and allowed it to integrate US financial infrastructure into its services. As a result, Flutterwave is better positioned to facilitate diaspora-led investments and crossborder flows between the United States and Africa.
This expansion into stock trading comes at a time when Africa’s young, mobile-savvy population is showing heightened interest in global investment opportunities. According to Verified Market Reports, the global micro-investing app market is forecast to grow from $1.2 billion in 2024 to $4.5 billion by 2033, with demand in emerging economies leading the curve.
The new product also pits Flutterwave against rivals like Chipper Cash, Bamboo, and Trove. Still, it aims to differentiate itself through localized integration, multi-currency support, and access through already trusted payment channels.
The company has raised more than $475 million from global investors, including Tiger Global, Visa Ventures, and Avenir Growth Capital, positioning it to scale further into the financial services sector.
With this new offering, Flutterwave is redefining itself as a comprehensive financial gateway bridging Africa to global capital markets.