NALA

NALA is a fintech company that provides a secure and efficient platform for cross-border payments and financial services focused on emerging markets. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Dar es Salaam, the company offers a global multi-currency account that enables users to receive, hold, convert, and send money across 35 countries. By building its own payment rails and acquiring Payment Service Provider licenses in countries like Tanzania and Rwanda, NALA aims to reduce the high fees associated with sending money to Africa and Asia. The platform serves both individuals through its consumer remittance app and businesses via its Rafiki B2B infrastructure. With a team spanning 18 countries, NALA leverages technology to increase economic opportunity for the next billion users by providing faster and more reliable real-time payment options. The company operates hubs in London, Nairobi, and Dakar, directly integrating with banks and telecommunications providers to streamline international money transfers for the global migrant diaspora and multinational corporations.

NALA began its operations in 2017 with a focus on increasing economic opportunity for Africans. The company has since evolved from a small team to a global fintech player with nearly 100 employees and over 500,000 customers worldwide. By 2024, the firm achieved significant financial milestones, including 10x revenue growth in a 12-month period and reaching profitability and positive cash flow.

The company's strategy involves shifting from relying on third-party infrastructure to building its own internal payment rails. This long-term play includes securing direct licenses from governments and integrating with major platforms like M-Pesa. This approach allows NALA to offer more competitive exchange rates and improve payment reliability in markets where financial infrastructure is often underdeveloped.