Payaza Africa Limited, a leading payment infrastructure provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with Lebara Nigeria to strengthen digital payments, improve telecom services and expand financial inclusion for millions of Nigerians.
Lebara Nigeria, a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), said the collaboration will enable customers to enjoy seamless payment experiences across its services, including airtime and data purchases, subscription management and access to other digital offerings through secure payment channels.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, the partnership reflects the growing convergence between the telecommunications and financial technology sectors as both companies work to build a more connected and financially inclusive digital economy across Africa.
The statement noted that Lebara Nigeria operates a digital-first, asset-light model designed to serve specialised consumer segments while addressing challenges such as high data costs and limited access to telecom services.
With the integration of Payaza’s payment infrastructure, customers will be able to carry out simplified digital transactions, including airtime purchases, data top-ups and subscription management across Lebara’s expanding range of services.
The services will also cover LebaraPlay, described as Africa’s first telecom-owned micro-drama platform. The integrated payment solutions are expected to be rolled out across Lebara Nigeria’s mobile applications and USSD channels within the current quarter.
Beyond local services, the partnership is expected to improve connectivity for Nigerians living abroad. Payaza’s multi-jurisdictional collection and payout system will allow users in the diaspora to conveniently fund airtime, data and other telecom services for their families in Nigeria.
Speaking on the collaboration, Fawaz Abaniwonda, Executive Advisor, Innovation and Research at Payaza, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to delivering customer-focused payment solutions.
“At Payaza, customer obsession shapes every decision we make. Our partnership with Lebara Nigeria gives us an opportunity to translate that commitment into services that improve the everyday experience of millions of Nigerians. Lebara’s decision to select Payaza as it begins operations in Nigeria is a strong vote of confidence in our infrastructure and capabilities across the African markets,” he said.
Also commenting, Teniola Stuffman, Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, described the collaboration as a significant step towards expanding inclusive digital access across the country.
“Nigeria stands at a defining moment where millions require more inclusive and globally connected digital access. Our partnership with Payaza aligns with our ‘Telco Trinity’ philosophy of delivering reliable, affordable and customer-centric services. By leveraging Payaza’s secure infrastructure, we are transforming connectivity into a gateway for digital commerce and financial empowerment,” he said.
The partnership comes shortly after Payaza secured “A” credit rating upgrades from GCR, Agusto and DataPro, further strengthening its reputation as a trusted payment infrastructure provider with strong governance and risk management systems.
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Lagos, Payaza currently serves more than 10,000 businesses through a growing portfolio of payment solutions, including payment gateways, payouts, virtual accounts, collections and its AI-powered platform, Shopaza.
Industry analysts say the partnership reflects a growing trend of collaboration between fintech and telecommunications companies across Africa as demand for integrated digital services continues to rise.
As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation, the Payaza–Lebara Nigeria partnership is expected to drive financial inclusion, strengthen digital commerce and create a more connected ecosystem for consumers both within the country and across the diaspora.
