Global fintech Unlimit has entered a strategic partnership with logistics platform ShipAfrica, aiming to overhaul payment infrastructure for cross-border trade across the continent.
The collaboration integrates Unlimit’s unified payment platform into ShipAfrica’s operations, granting the logistics provider access to over 1,000 local and international payment methods.
The move is designed to resolve the payment fragmentation that often hampers logistics in African markets, allowing businesses and individuals to pay for shipping services using their preferred local channels.
Localising the Payment Experience
ShipAfrica, which connects multiple African markets with global trade routes, will now leverage Unlimit’s infrastructure to accept payments via mobile money, bank transfers, and global card schemes. This localisation is critical in a region where alternative payment methods frequently outpace traditional banking.
Key regional integrations include:
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Kenya: Support for Pesalink, M-Pesa, and Airtel Money.
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Tanzania: Integration of M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Mixx.
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Nigeria: Enablement of direct bank transfers and card payments.
The partnership aims to remove the friction associated with international currency settlement.
“Enabling cross-border operations is at the heart of Unlimit’s mission. By integrating Unlimit’s payment platform, we are enabling ShipAfrica to receive payments locally in the markets where our customers are most active. This eliminates the friction of international payment processing, reduces transaction costs, and improves access for consumers who prefer local payment methods.”
— Walter Isoko, CEO of ShipAfrica
Capitalising on the E-Commerce Boom
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the African digital economy. The continent’s e-commerce sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.52% between 2025 and 2030. Market forecasts suggest the sector will reach a valuation of US$61.78 billion by 2030.
As online retail accelerates, the demand for scalable, friction-free payment infrastructure has surged. Logistics companies are increasingly seeking partners who can ensure seamless settlement across borders to maintain cash flow and operational efficiency.
Irene Skrynova, Chief Customer Officer at Unlimit, emphasised the role of financial technology in supporting this growth:
“Unlimit is deeply committed to supporting the new chapter of Africa’s e-commerce growth. Our partnership with ShipAfrica helps businesses scale by giving their customers access to familiar, reliable payment experiences across borders. Together, we’re reducing operational costs, avoiding settlement delays, improving cash flow, and enabling merchants to tap into the full potential of Africa’s fast-growing e-commerce economy.”
This integration marks another step in Unlimit’s expansion into emerging markets, reinforcing its strategy to empower global trade through localised financial solutions.