Pesalink, NALA, and Equity Bank are collaborating to improve cross-border payments in Kenya, making them quicker, more dependable, and easier for Kenyans residing overseas.
This partnership, which was signed on Monday, uses Equity Bank’s vast local network, NALA’s global fintech platform, and PesaLink’s instant payment infrastructure to improve the effectiveness and affordability of last-mile remittance transfers.
These inflows have become an essential foreign exchange source, with diaspora remittances to Kenya hitting a record US$4.94 billion in 2024. Through the partnership, senders in the US, UK, and Europe can use the NALA app to send money to recipients in almost real-time, straight into their bank accounts or mobile wallets, using a debit card or bank account.
Strategic move
According to Samuel Ireri, Equity Group Head of International Banking & Payments, the partnership is a strategic move aligned with Equity Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to promote inclusive economic growth throughout the continent.
Remittance flows are digitised to increase access for marginalised communities by fusing Equity Bank’s settlement infrastructure, PesaLink’s real-time capabilities, and NALA’s user-friendly platform.
This collaboration routes transfers through PesaLink’s instant payment network, eliminating intermediaries. Pesalink supports instant account-to-account transfers up to Ksh 999,999 for more than 80 participants, including fintech companies, banks, SACCOs, and telcos.
Partnership’s benefits
This partnership enhances individuals’ daily financial planning by ensuring that funds transferred from overseas arrive instantly in bank accounts or mobile wallets.
Businesses and payroll providers are provided with reliable rails for supplier payments and salary disbursements, minimising delays that frequently impede operations.
Fintechs and remittance firms also benefit from PesaLink’s richer payment data and reliable infrastructure, which facilitates reconciliation and strengthens Kenya’s economic base.
The partnership will also make international transactions faster and more predictable for retailers and SMEs.
Cross-border transactions made easier for diaspora communities
According to Kenn Lisudza, IPSL’s Chief Products Officer, millions of Kenyans rely on inclusion and dependability to make cross-border payments more manageable. The NALA app guarantees nearly instantaneous money delivery to diaspora communities, assisting with daily financial planning for businesses and families.
According to Nicolai Eddy, NALA’s COO, cross-border payment fees cost billions of dollars globally annually.
By selecting appropriate infrastructure partners, NALA hopes to lower fees and make cross-border payments more dependable, quick, and inexpensive.
This strategic collaboration drives a new era of digital expansion and financial inclusion.