Paga brings digital banking to African diaspora in US

By Vriti Gothi

Paga Group, a financial technology company, has expanded its operation in the United States, introducing digital banking services tailored for Africa’s diaspora.

Developed in partnership with a US-regulated bank, Paga’s new offering delivers fully regulated US bank accounts to Africans living in the US. Customers can open and manage their accounts with a valid form of identification and a US residential address, enabling seamless access to modern banking services without traditional barriers.

The initial rollout targets the Nigerian diaspora, representing the first phase of Paga’s global expansion strategy. This initiative is designed to simplify cross-border finance, foster financial inclusion, and provide modern, customer-centric banking solutions for Africans worldwide.

“Millions of Africans abroad face unnecessary barriers to basic financial services. Opening a bank account, saving in a stable currency, or sending money home is often expensive, complicated, or out of reach. In the United States alone, over 4.5 million African immigrants navigate a system that was never designed for them. We are breaking down those barriers,” said Tayo Oviosu, Founder and Group CEO of Paga.

The Nigerian-born immigrant population in the US has more than doubled over the past two decades, growing at an average rate of 4.8% per year to reach 476,000 in 2023. Remittances to Nigeria reached approximately $21 billion in 2024, up from $19.5 billion in 2023, underscoring the significant economic role of diaspora communities.

Paga’s US accounts include both physical and virtual Visa debit cards, fully integrated with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Plaid. Customers can link their accounts to third-party applications such as Robinhood and Venmo, and send funds to both US and Nigerian bank accounts, with plans to expand transfers to additional countries.

Unlike traditional remittance products, Paga’s platform is built primarily for banking and payments, empowering Africans to participate fully in global commerce. The initial rollout targets individuals living across multiple geographies—particularly Nigerians with ongoing ties to their home country—offering a single, integrated wallet for both local and international financial needs.