Flutterwave acquires EMI and remittance licenses in Rwanda

By Gloria Methri

Flutterwave, the African payments technology company, has received its Electronic Money Issuer and Remittance Licenses from the National Bank of Rwanda. This will help the company expand its operations in East Africa.

With these new licenses, in addition to being a Payment Service Provider, Flutterwave can offer money deposit and withdrawal, electronic funds transfer, as well as inbound and outbound remittances to the 13.46 million people of Rwanda.

According to Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises here account for about 97% of businesses and contribute almost 55% to the total GDP. That makes MSMEs critical to job creation and the economic growth of the country.

Flutterwave will deploy a range of products in Rwanda, including Send by Flutterwave, its cross-border money transfer solution. Also available will be Flutterwave for Business and its suite of products, including Store, payment links, invoices and checkout to help individuals and businesses in Rwanda make the most of the booming eCommerce market.

Olugbenga “GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, said, “As a country well known for fostering innovation and promoting the use of digital technology, Rwanda has always been important to our expansion plans in East Africa. We are delighted for the vote of confidence in being granted these licenses. With them, we will leverage our extensive global reach and continuous growth in emerging markets to provide MSMEs in Rwanda with the tools they need to stimulate the economy.”

Leah Uwihoreye, Flutterwave’s East Africa Regional Lead, Regulatory and Government Affairs, said, “As Rwanda continues executing important reforms to enhance the ease of doing business and implementing its Fintech Strategy 2022-2027, Flutterwave keeps contributing towards achieving a cashless economy. The licenses will enable us to provide safe, secure, and seamless payment services for individuals and businesses in Rwanda. This is a starting point for Flutterwave as we continue to expand across East Africa.”