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Payaza Africa Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with Lebara Nigeria to deploy digital payment infrastructure that will support the telecommunications company’s services while expanding access to secure digital financial solutions across Nigeria.
Lebara Nigeria, a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), said the collaboration is designed to enhance customer experience by integrating seamless payment capabilities into its growing suite of telecom services.
Partnership to power secure digital transactions
Under the agreement, Payaza will provide the payment infrastructure that enables Lebara customers to conveniently purchase airtime and data, manage subscriptions, and access other digital services through secure and efficient payment channels.
The collaboration reflects the growing convergence between the telecommunications and fintech sectors, as operators increasingly leverage innovative payment technologies to improve customer engagement and accelerate financial inclusion.
According to Payaza, Lebara Nigeria operates a digital-first, asset-light business model focused on serving specialised customer segments while addressing challenges such as high connectivity costs and limited access to digital services.
By integrating Payaza’s payment solutions, customers will benefit from simplified digital transactions across Lebara’s expanding ecosystem, including airtime purchases, data top-ups and subscription management.
The payment infrastructure will also support LebaraPlay, the company’s telecom-owned micro-drama streaming platform, allowing users to access entertainment services through integrated digital payment channels.
The companies said the new payment capabilities are expected to be rolled out across Lebara Nigeria’s mobile applications and USSD platforms within the current quarter.
Supporting Nigerians in the diaspora
Beyond serving domestic users, the partnership aims to improve cross-border digital payments for Nigerians living abroad.
Payaza’s multi-jurisdictional collection and payout infrastructure will enable diaspora customers to seamlessly purchase airtime, data bundles and other telecom services for family members in Nigeria, strengthening cross-border digital commerce and financial connectivity.
Executives highlight innovation and customer experience
Executive Advisor for Innovation and Research at Payaza, Fawaz Abaniwonda, described the partnership as another step in the company’s commitment to building customer-centric payment solutions across Africa.
He said the collaboration demonstrates confidence in Payaza’s technology infrastructure and its ability to deliver secure, scalable payment services that enhance everyday digital experiences for consumers and businesses.
Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, Teniola Stuffman, said the partnership aligns with the company’s vision of delivering reliable, affordable and customer-focused telecommunications services while expanding inclusive access to digital solutions.
According to him, leveraging Payaza’s secure payment infrastructure will enable Lebara to transform mobile connectivity into a platform for digital commerce and financial empowerment.
Strengthening Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem
The partnership comes shortly after Payaza received upgraded “A” credit ratings from GCR, Agusto and DataPro, reinforcing its reputation for strong corporate governance, risk management and operational resilience within Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem.
Established in 2022 and headquartered in Lagos, Payaza currently supports more than 10,000 businesses through a portfolio of payment solutions, including payment gateways, virtual accounts, collections, payouts and its AI-powered commerce platform, Shopaza.
Industry stakeholders believe collaborations between fintech companies and telecommunications operators are becoming increasingly important as demand grows for integrated digital services, seamless payment experiences and secure financial infrastructure.
As Nigeria continues to advance its digital economy agenda, the Payaza–Lebara Nigeria partnership is expected to strengthen digital commerce, improve financial inclusion, enhance compliance with evolving digital payment standards and support the continued growth of the country’s technology-driven financial ecosystem.
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