Wakanow taps dLocal to simplify international travel payments

By Gloria Methri

dLocal has teamed up with Wakanow Group to streamline and simplify cross-border payments for the latter’s customers throughout Africa.

Currently valued at nearly $13 trillion, the global travel industry sees only 30% of its bookings in Africa conducted online, considerably lower than the global average of 50%. Wakanow aims to change this dynamic in a market with significant growth potential.

By collaborating with dLocal, Wakanow customers can effortlessly book travel services and pay in their local currencies or preferred payment methods on the Wakanow website. The partnership has already facilitated dLocal-powered payments in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tanzania, with further expansion plans, including South Africa, in the pipeline.

“When we sought a payment solution that could handle the complexities of African travel markets, dLocal was a clear choice,” said Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO of Wakanow. “Their strong presence and expertise within the continent, alongside their scalable solutions, made them an ideal partner. We are eager to accelerate our growth with the support of dLocal’s robust platform and team.”

“This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Kalabash as we enhance our capabilities to serve not only the Nigerian market but the broader African market with cutting-edge payment solutions,” stated Ladi Ojuri, CEO of Kalabash. “Working with dLocal enables us to offer a more seamless and efficient transaction experience, which is fundamental as we push the boundaries of what is possible in travel finance and tech.”

“The partnership with the Wakanow Group presents an exciting opportunity,” shared Agustin Botta, Head of EMEA from dLocal. “As Wakanow continues to dominate the travel industry in Africa, and particularly Nigeria, our collaboration will serve as a pivotal bridge between the continent and the global economy. Offering local payment options not only simplifies transactions but also makes global travel more accessible and convenient for millions across Africa, enhancing the customer experience and opening new markets for business.”