With over $25 billion in payments processed annually, Verto isn’t just another fintech story; it’s a continental force rewriting how trade moves.
Its new base in Dubai’s DIFC could be the missing link to unlocking Africa–Gulf commerce at full speed.
This expansion isn’t just another office opening; it’s a strategic bridge connecting the UAE’s bustling trade hub with Africa’s vibrant markets in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and beyond.
For exporters shipping goods from Nairobi warehouses to Mombasa ports and importers sourcing from Gulf suppliers, Verto’s arrival promises to slash headaches and supercharge efficiency.
Verto: The B2B Payments Giant from Africa, Going Global
Founded in Nigeria, Verto has quietly become a centrepiece for international commerce, processing over $25 billion annually for blue-chip clients like Unilever and Maersk.
Specialising in cross-border B2B payments, the company tackles the pain points that plague traditional banking: slow settlements, opaque FX rates, and fragmented tracking.
Instead, Verto offers instant payouts in local currencies, competitive hedging tools to lock in exchange rates, and full end-to-end visibility via a user-friendly platform.
This isn’t Verto’s first venture in emerging markets they’re already deeply embedded in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and West Africa.
But the UAE launch elevates their game, leveraging Dubai’s position as a gateway to the Middle East and Asia.
With a new team stationed in the Emirates Financial Tower within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Verto is fully licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
This regulatory green light allows them to hold client funds in AED and execute same-day multi-currency transfers, making high-value trades between the Gulf and Africa smoother than ever.
Why This Matters for Africa’s Trade Warriors
Africa’s exporters and importers stand to gain massively from this UAE foothold. Consider the numbers: Intra-African trade is booming, but cross-border payments to and from the UAE, Africa’s largest non-oil trading partner, often drag on for days or weeks due to correspondent banking delays and FX volatility. Verto changes that equation.
- Instant Settlements for Faster Cash Flow: No more waiting 3-5 days for funds to clear. Verto’s platform enables real-time transfers, helping Kenyan coffee exporters get paid the moment shipments dock in Dubai ports or Nigerian textile importers restock without liquidity crunches.
- FX Hedging to Tame Currency Risks: With tools for forward contracts and competitive rates across 49 currencies, businesses can shield against rand-dollar swings or naira-dirham dips. This is crucial as UAE-Africa trade volumes hit billions, fuelled by everything from South African minerals to Ghanaian cocoa.
- Traceability and Compliance: End-to-end tracking means full audit trails for every transaction, easing regulatory hurdles in both regions. For Maersk-like logistics giants, this translates to fewer disputes and tighter supply chain control.
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A Turbo-Boost for Gulf-Africa Trade Corridors
Zooming out, Verto’s expansion aligns perfectly with surging UAE-Africa ties. Bilateral trade exceeded $30 billion last year, with Dubai alone serving as a re-export hub for African goods to Europe and Asia.
Yet, payment frictions have held back smaller players. Verto levels the playing field, empowering SMEs alongside corporates.
For African exporters, this means quicker access to the UAE’s deep liquidity pools and investor networks. Importers benefit from streamlined sourcing of machinery, electronics, and commodities from Gulf free zones.
The ripple effects? Stronger supply chains, job creation in logistics hubs like Mombasa, and a more resilient African economy less vulnerable to global shocks.
The Road Ahead: Ready to Level Up Your Trade Game?
Verto’s Dubai debut is more than a milestone; it’s a catalyst for reimagining Africa-UAE commerce. Whether you’re a Nigerian manufacturer eyeing Dubai markets or a South African trader importing petrochemicals, this expansion hands you the keys to faster, smarter payments.
As Ghebreluul notes, Dubai’s role as a global trade nexus made it the “natural choice” for Verto’s next chapter.
So, how will this turbo-boost your trade game? If you’re in the export-import grind, it’s time to explore Verto’s toolkit. The future of Gulf-Africa business just got a whole lot brighter and quicker.
Inside Verto Payments
Verto Payments is redefining cross-border transactions with its powerful Verto Pay platform, designed for seamless international money transfers and currency exchanges.
The Verto company operates globally, with a growing presence in Africa, including Verto Kenya, where businesses use its tools for fast, secure payments.
Professionals can explore exciting opportunities through Verto careers, while existing clients can easily access their accounts via Verto login.
As part of its financial solutions, Verto FX supports real-time foreign exchange services and even handles Verto salary payments efficiently for companies managing international teams.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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