Lebara Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with African payment infrastructure provider Payaza to integrate advanced payment capabilities into its telecommunications ecosystem, marking another step toward improving digital connectivity and financial access for millions of Nigerians.
The collaboration will see Payaza power payment experiences across Lebara’s services, enabling customers to seamlessly purchase airtime and data, manage subscriptions, and access digital services through secure payment channels. The partnership strengthens both companies’ ambition of creating a more connected and financially inclusive digital economy while demonstrating the growing convergence of telecommunications and financial technology in Africa.
Bringing Fintech and Telecommunications Together
As telecommunications and financial technology continue to converge, infrastructure partnerships are becoming increasingly important in delivering seamless customer experiences.
Operating as a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Lebara Nigeria has adopted a digital-first, asset-light model focused on serving specialized consumer segments while addressing persistent challenges such as high data costs and service accessibility. Through the integration of Payaza’s payment infrastructure, the telecom operator will simplify everyday digital transactions across its expanding portfolio of services.
Customers will be able to complete airtime purchases, data top-ups, and subscription management more efficiently, including services connected to LebaraPlay, Africa’s first telecom-owned micro-drama platform. The integrated services are expected to roll out across Lebara Nigeria’s mobile applications and USSD channels beginning this quarter.
Strengthening Connections for Nigerians Worldwide
Beyond improving domestic payment experiences, the partnership also enhances connectivity for Nigerians living abroad.
Payaza’s multi-jurisdictional collection and payout infrastructure will enable members of the diaspora to conveniently fund airtime, data, and other telecom services for family members in Nigeria. The capability supports Lebara’s broader goal of bridging the gap between Nigerians at home and abroad while making cross-border digital transactions more seamless and accessible.
Executives Outline a Shared Vision
Speaking on the partnership, Fawaz Abaniwonda, Executive Advisor, Innovation & Research at Payaza, said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to building customer-focused payment infrastructure that powers meaningful everyday experiences.
“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 significant vote of confidence in our infrastructure, our people, and our ability to support global brands—not only in Nigeria, but across the 19 African markets in which we operate.”
Lebara Nigeria also described the partnership as a significant step toward expanding inclusive digital access across the country.
“Nigeria stands at a defining moment where millions require more inclusive and globally connected digital access,” said Teniola Stuffman, Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria. “Our partnership with Payaza aligns perfectly with our ‘Telco Trinity’ philosophy of delivering reliable, affordable, and customer-centric services. By leveraging Payaza’s secure financial infrastructure, we are transforming connectivity into a true gateway for digital commerce and financial empowerment.”
Together, the statements underscore a shared commitment to combining secure financial infrastructure with accessible telecommunications services, positioning connectivity as a catalyst for digital commerce, financial inclusion, and economic participation.
Backed by Trusted Payment Infrastructure
The announcement comes shortly after Payaza received “A” credit rating upgrades from GCR, Agusto, and DataPro, reinforcing the company’s operational resilience, strong governance, and risk management capabilities.
The recognition further strengthens Payaza’s position as a trusted payment infrastructure provider for enterprises seeking secure and scalable financial technology solutions.
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Lagos, Payaza serves more than 10,000 businesses through a growing ecosystem of payment solutions that includes payment gateways, payouts, virtual accounts, collections, and the recently launched AI-powered Shopaza platform.
Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The Lebara–Payaza partnership reflects a broader trend of collaboration between fintech and telecommunications companies as demand grows for integrated digital services across Africa.
By combining trusted payment infrastructure with next-generation telecom services, the two companies aim to simplify everyday transactions, improve customer experiences, and expand access to digital services for individuals and businesses alike.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation, partnerships such as this highlight how collaboration between fintech and telecom providers can accelerate financial inclusion, enable digital commerce, and build a more connected and resilient digital ecosystem for consumers at home and across the diaspora.
