Global fintech giant PayPal Holdings, Inc. has unveiled a landmark Ksh.12.9 billion ($100 million) investment aimed at fueling digital transformation and entrepreneurship across the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks one of the company’s largest commitments to the region to date and signals a strategic focus on helping local businesses scale up, integrate millions of new users into the global digital economy, and unlock economic opportunities for underserved communities.
According to PayPal, the funds will be channeled through:
Minority investments and acquisitions targeting promising startups in fintech, e-commerce, and logistics.
PayPal Ventures funding for innovative entrepreneurs building digital payment solutions.
Deployment of talent and technology, including training programs for local developers and business owners.
“The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving businesses in the world,” said Alex Chriss, President and CEO of PayPal.
“By dedicating a Ksh.12.9 billion investment to this region, we’re helping entrepreneurs scale faster, expand their reach beyond borders, and unlock new opportunities for growth in the digital economy.”
This initiative builds on PayPal’s recent expansion into MEA, including the launch of its first regional hub in Dubai in April 2025, designed to offer businesses seamless payment solutions, advanced fraud protection, and better access to international markets.
The move is expected to:
Drive financial inclusion by bringing more people into formal digital payment systems.
Strengthen SME competitiveness by lowering transaction costs and improving access to global e-commerce platforms.
Support job creation in tech, logistics, and digital marketing sectors.
Otto Williams, Senior Vice President and Regional Head of PayPal MEA, emphasized the company’s long-term vision:
“This commitment underscores our dedication to building stronger connections between local businesses and the global marketplace, ensuring millions of consumers and enterprises have access to the tools they need to thrive.”
PayPal already holds stakes in high-growth startups like Tabby, Paymob, and Stitch, which are revolutionizing buy-now-pay-later services, mobile payments, and financial infrastructure in the region. Analysts expect the new capital injection to expand these partnerships and attract new innovators to PayPal’s ecosystem.
This investment positions PayPal as a key player in shaping MEA’s digital future, at a time when internet penetration, mobile money usage, and online trade are growing at record levels.
