Payment infrastructure provider Payaza has partnered with Lebara Nigeria to integrate its payment technology into the telecom operator’s digital ecosystem, enabling secure airtime and data purchases, subscription management, and digital payment services.
The collaboration is designed to deliver seamless payment experiences for millions of Nigerians while supporting the country’s growing digital economy and expanding access to essential digital services.
According to a statement by the companies, Payaza’s infrastructure will power secure transactions across Lebara Nigeria’s digital platforms, making it easier for customers to purchase airtime, data bundles, and manage subscriptions.
Driving seamless digital experiences
The partnership combines Payaza’s payment infrastructure with Lebara Nigeria’s digital-first telecommunications platform to create a more connected and convenient customer experience.
The integration will support:
- Secure airtime purchases
- Data bundle payments
- Subscription management
- Digital payment services
- USSD and mobile app transactions
The rollout of the integrated payment services is expected to begin later this quarter.
Speaking on the partnership, Fawaz Abaniwonda, Executive Advisor for Innovation and Research at Payaza, said customer experience remains at the centre of the company’s strategy.
“At Payaza, customer obsession shapes every decision we make. Our partnership with Lebara Nigeria gives us an opportunity to translate that commitment into services that improve the everyday experience of millions of Nigerians.”
Supporting financial inclusion and underserved communities
As a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Lebara Nigeria focuses on serving underserved customer segments through a technology-driven operating model.
Through the partnership, Payaza will provide the payment infrastructure powering transactions across Lebara’s mobile applications and USSD channels while also supporting LebaraPlay, Africa’s first telecom-owned micro-drama streaming platform.
The collaboration also extends beyond Nigeria.
Payaza’s multi-jurisdictional payment infrastructure will enable Nigerians in the diaspora to purchase airtime, data, and other telecom services for family and friends back home, making cross-border digital payments more convenient and secure.
Expanding digital connectivity
Lebara Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Teniola Stuffman, described the partnership as a major step toward expanding inclusive digital access across the country.
According to him, leveraging Payaza’s financial infrastructure will help transform telecommunications into a broader platform for digital commerce and financial empowerment.
The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to building customer-centric digital solutions that combine telecommunications and financial technology to improve digital inclusion.
Strengthening Africa’s digital payment ecosystem
For Payaza, the collaboration reinforces its strategy of providing secure and scalable payment infrastructure for businesses across multiple industries.
As financial technology and telecommunications continue to converge, the company believes strategic partnerships will play a critical role in accelerating digital commerce and expanding financial inclusion across Africa.
The announcement also follows Payaza’s recent “A” credit rating upgrades from GCR, Agusto, and DataPro, highlighting the company’s operational resilience and growing presence across the continent.
Today, Payaza supports businesses in 19 African markets, positioning itself as one of the continent’s emerging payment infrastructure providers.
By combining trusted payment technology with next-generation telecommunications services, the partnership aims to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem where individuals and businesses can connect, transact, and grow with greater ease.
