International Expansion 101 for Fintechs in Africa

What should you know before expanding your Africa-based fintech to more countries?

In this episode, we explore the art and science of launching financial service products beyond your home country, covering everything from how to choose which countries to expand into, to how to hire in different markets, and what to watch out for when incorporating the business.

Our guides through this topic are experienced operators with long experience in expansion: Wiza Jakalasi (Chipper Cash), Marcello Schermer (Yoco), Adia Sowho (ex-Migo), and Maria Rotilu (ex-Branch).

IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT

0:00 — Introduction

2:25 — Why businesses expand into new countries

3:35 — Expanding for growth

4:00 — The importance of timing

4:52 — How to pick your next country

7:03 — Prioritizing business drivers

9:49 — The impact of regulation

14:58 — [Paystack Product Alert] Introducing Paystack's verification service paystack.com/verify

15:57 — Midway recap

16:34 — Navigating incorporation

20:02 — The role of relationships

21:55 — How to think about hiring

23:53 — The best part of expansion

LINKS

• Connect with Wiza Jakalasi on LinkedIn
• Check out Africa’s Talking and Chipper Cash
• Connect with Marcello Schermer on LinkedIn
• Check out Yoco
• Connect with Adia Sowho on LinkedIn
• Check out Migo
• Connect with Maria Rotilu on LinkedIn
• Check out Branch International
• Check out the Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions
• Learn more about Delaware C-Corps
• Check out the Mauritius Double Taxation Agreement

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Paystack helps Africa's most successful fintechs build and scale popular financial service products with the industry's best-documented APIs. Please visit paystack.com/fintech to find out more.