Flutterwave Founder and CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola has outlined his bold vision of creating a “payment superhighway” that will connect African economies, streamline cross-border transactions, and strengthen the continent’s position in the global digital economy.
Speaking at CNN’s inaugural Global Perspectives Summit, themed “Africa’s Role in a Changing World,” Agboola said Flutterwave’s mission is to enable seamless money movement within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world.
He described this initiative as key to unlocking intra-African trade and digital innovation across borders.
Regulatory Collaboration Driving Growth
Agboola emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation in building Africa’s digital payment ecosystem. He cited the recent fintech memorandum of understanding between Ghana and Rwanda as a landmark step toward harmonizing cross-border payment regulations.
“Across the continent, regulators are very impressive. They understand how to enable the networks of growth and are focused on empowering players who have the infrastructure and understand the market,” Agboola said.
He added that the evolving regulatory environment is helping foster innovation, boost investor confidence, and expand the reach of African fintechs.
Global Leaders Discuss Africa’s Startup Future
Agboola shared the stage with other global business leaders, including Lucy Liu, Co-founder and President of Airwallex; Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa; and Serigne Dioum, CEO of MTN Group Fintech. The session, titled “Fueling the Next-Generation Startup Ecosystem,” was moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest.
Panelists agreed that Africa is at a pivotal moment for digital transformation, driven by its youthful population, entrepreneurial culture, and increasing access to financial technology.
Okosi highlighted that regulators across the continent are showing greater openness to digital finance, while Liu noted that many are prioritizing consumer protection and ecosystem integrity. Dioum added that regulators and operators now share a common goal of driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Africa’s Legacy in Alternative Payments
Agboola acknowledged Africa’s pioneering role in alternative payment solutions, referencing successful models like Kenya’s M-Pesa and Nigeria’s Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
He said these innovations have laid the groundwork for a unified, technology-driven financial system:
“What’s been missing is the interoperable infrastructure that connects these systems. At Flutterwave, we’re building that payment superhighway that allows businesses and consumers to move money seamlessly.”
Flutterwave’s Vision for a Connected Continent
Flutterwave continues to expand its footprint across Africa and beyond, developing digital tools that make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable.
The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Polygon, a leading blockchain network, to build Africa’s largest infrastructure for stablecoin payments — a move aimed at enhancing transaction speed, transparency, and currency stability.
This initiative aligns with Flutterwave’s broader goal of transforming Africa’s fragmented financial landscape into a connected, interoperable ecosystem, where money moves “as freely as ideas and innovation.”
Agboola’s remarks underscored a powerful message: that with the right mix of regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial energy, Africa can become a global leader in digital payments and financial connectivity.
