Africa within reach of real-time cross-border payments – Flutterwave’s Gabriel Ologunwa

Gabriel Ologunwa, Global Expansions and Payment Partnerships Lead for Anglophone West Africa at Flutterwave, joined policymakers, financial institutions, fintech leaders, and industry stakeholders at the Nigeria Fintech Forum to discuss the future of cross-border payments and regional financial integration across Africa.

Speaking during a panel on unlocking seamless cross-border payments, Gabriel said Africa is closer than many realise to solving longstanding barriers to regional commerce.

He noted that while fragmented payment systems, foreign exchange constraints, and regulatory differences have historically slowed trade, advances in payments technology, alongside innovations such as stablecoins, are helping make cross-border transactions faster, more affordable, and more efficient.

“We’re closer than many people think. The technology already exists, and the momentum is here. If we continue to see stronger regulatory coordination alongside sustained private sector innovation, Africa is well within reach of delivering a truly real-time, low-cost cross-border payments network over the next few years,” Gabriel said.

He pointed to initiatives including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, and the adoption of ISO 20022 as important building blocks for a more connected payments ecosystem.

However, Gabriel stressed that lasting progress will depend on deeper collaboration between regulators, payment providers, and the private sector to create greater interoperability and regulatory alignment across African markets.

Gabriel also highlighted that for small and medium-sized businesses, the challenge extends beyond accepting payments. Businesses need a unified financial infrastructure that brings together collections, payouts, foreign exchange, compliance, and reconciliation into a single, seamless experience.

Flutterwave, the official noted, is helping to reduce this complexity by providing businesses with a single platform to operate and grow across multiple African markets.

Looking ahead, Gabriel said making cross-border commerce as simple for an SME trading between Nigeria and Kenya as it is for a multinational remains one of the industry’s biggest opportunities, adding that stronger digital infrastructure and continued collaboration will be key to unlocking Africa’s next phase of economic growth.