PayPal has officially gone live in Nigeria through a new partnership with local fintech company Paga, enabling millions of users to receive international payments and access their funds in Naira for the first time in more than two decades.
The integration allows Nigerian users to link their PayPal accounts directly to their Paga digital wallets, making it possible to receive cross-border payments from PayPal-supported markets around the world. Users can withdraw these earnings locally in Naira, shop with international PayPal merchants, or use the funds for daily needs such as bill payments, bank transfers, and spending through Paga’s integrated Visa card. This creates a direct link between global income sources and Nigeria’s local economy.
The development represents a major milestone for freelancers, online entrepreneurs, and small businesses that have long depended on informal workarounds to manage PayPal transactions. It also gives Nigerian merchants an opportunity to connect to PayPal’s global network of more than 400 million users, helping them reach international customers and grow beyond local markets.
The announcement, made by both Paga and PayPal, highlights a shared focus on expanding financial inclusion and strengthening cross-border commerce in one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital payments markets. For small businesses and merchants, the partnership opens access to international sales channels while reducing friction around receiving and using foreign payments.
“We are proud to make this integration live and available to users across Nigeria. Whether you are a freelancer receiving international payments, a business selling online, or a consumer shopping globally, this collaboration makes it easier to access and use global funds locally, in a way that’s simple, secure, and built for our markets,” said Tayo Oviosu, founder and group CEO of Paga.
Otto Williams, senior vice president, regional head and general manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa, said the company has taken a deliberate approach to working with local partners. “We have been intentional about partnering with local innovators like Paga and developing solutions that help Nigerians earn, spend, and grow. This collaboration helps strengthen the broader payments ecosystem by supporting local innovation, expanding financial inclusion, and enabling more consumers and businesses to participate confidently in the digital economy,” he said.
Nigeria’s digital payments sector has recorded strong growth in recent years, with transaction values reaching N657.8 trillion in 2023 and more than 30 million active mobile wallet users, according to a 2024 Novatia Consulting report. With over 21 million users and a robust API infrastructure, Paga is positioned to scale PayPal’s services nationwide through its local settlement network and digital wallet system.
To access the service, users log into the Paga app or website, link their PayPal account, and start receiving international payments into their Paga wallet. The funds can then be used for transfers, bill payments, shopping, or withdrawals.
