dLocal and Wakanow Group Partnership Makes Travel Accessible for Millions Across Africa

dLocal and Wakanow Group have announced a strategic partnership that promises to revolutionize cross-border payments and make travel more accessible for millions across the continent. 

This collaboration, facilitated by Wakanow’s travel fintech subsidiary Kalabash, marks a significant milestone in the development of Africa’s rapidly growing online travel industry.

The dLocal and Wakanow Group partnership addresses a critical need in the African travel market, where only 30% of bookings are currently made online, compared to the global average of 50%. 

By leveraging dLocal’s expertise in cross-border payment solutions and Wakanow’s established presence as a leading online travel agency, this alliance aims to bridge the gap between African travelers and global destinations.

About dLocal

dLocal is a payment platform that facilitates local transactions in emerging markets, bridging the gap between global enterprise merchants and billions of consumers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

The company’s innovative “One dLocal” model streamlines payment processes through a single API, platform, and contract. 

This unified approach allows global companies to seamlessly accept payments, send payouts, and settle funds across various regions without the complexities of managing multiple processors, establishing local entities, or integrating diverse payment methods in each market. For more information, visit: https://dlocal.com.

About Kalabash 

Kalabash, a fintech subsidiary of the Wakanow Group, is focused on transforming payment experiences within the African travel industry. 

By simplifying cross-border transactions and providing flexible payment solutions, Kalabash aims to empower travelers and address the specific needs of the African travel market. 

The company’s mission is to create a more accessible and convenient payment ecosystem for travelers across the continent. For more information, visit: http://kalabash.com/.

About Wakanow

Wakanow, established in 2008, has emerged as a leading online travel agency (OTA) in Africa, with its headquarters in Nigeria. 

Recognized as one of the foremost travel service providers in the region, Wakanow has experienced rapid growth and established itself as a key player in the African travel industry. 

The company specializes in meeting the distinct requirements and preferences of African travelers, offering tailored services to enhance their travel experiences. For more information, visit: https://www.wakanow.com/.

Expanding Reach and Enhancing Payment Flexibility

One of the key benefits of the dLocal and Wakanow Group partnership is the ability for customers to pay in their local currencies or preferred payment methods when booking travel services on the Wakanow website. 

This enhancement in payment flexibility is expected to significantly boost Wakanow’s operational footprint across Africa.

The collaboration has already made impressive strides, with dLocal-powered payments now available in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tanzania. 

Plans are underway to expand these services to other African countries, including South Africa, further cementing the partnership’s commitment to continental growth.

Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO of Wakanow, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “When we sought a payment solution that could handle the complexities of African travel markets, dLocal was a clear choice. 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.”

Revolutionizing Travel Finance and Technology

The dLocal and Wakanow Group partnership extends beyond mere payment processing. 

It represents a fusion of travel expertise and cutting-edge financial technology, spearheaded by Kalabash, Wakanow’s fintech subsidiary.

Ladi Ojuri, CEO of Kalabash, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “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. 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.”

Bridging Africa to the Global Economy

The impact of the dLocal and Wakanow Group partnership extends far beyond the travel industry. 

By simplifying cross-border transactions and making global travel more accessible, this alliance is effectively connecting Africa to the wider global economy.

Agustin Botta, Head of EMEA from dLocal, emphasized this point: “The partnership with the Wakanow Group, presents an exciting opportunity. 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 up new markets for business.”

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Future Prospects and Industry Implications

The dLocal and Wakanow Group partnership comes at a time when the global travel industry is valued at nearly $13 trillion. 

With Africa’s online travel bookings lagging behind the global average, this collaboration presents immense growth potential for both companies and the African travel market as a whole.

As this partnership continues to evolve, it is expected to drive innovation in the travel and fintech sectors across Africa. 

By addressing the unique needs and preferences of African travelers, dLocal and Wakanow Group are not only expanding their own market reach but also paving the way for increased digital adoption in the continent’s travel industry.

In conclusion, the dLocal and Wakanow Group partnership represents a significant step forward in making travel more accessible and convenient for millions of Africans. 

By combining dLocal’s cross-border payment expertise with Wakanow’s established presence in the African travel market, this collaboration is set to unlock new opportunities and drive growth in the continent’s online travel sector. 

As the partnership continues to expand its reach and enhance its offerings, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of travel in Africa and beyond.

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