Uruguayan Unicorn dLocal to Acquire Aza Finance, Expanding into African Markets
dLocal, a Uruguayan payment unicorn, has announced its intention to acquire Aza Finance, a cross-border payment and exchange platform operating in 17 African countries. This operation marks a significant incursion by dLocal into the continent. The acquisition price has not been disclosed, but estimates value it around $150 million.
Founded in 2013, Aza Finance initially focused on bitcoin-funded transfers and later expanded into a comprehensive payment and exchange platform, managing over $2 billion in transactions for clients in 115 countries.
The acquisition will enable dLocal to establish itself in markets where it was not present. Aza Finance will benefit from dLocal's global network of merchants.
This operation is part of a wave of fintech mergers and acquisitions in Africa, following earlier deals by LemFi and Stitch in 2025. As African markets integrate and infrastructure matures, we can expect more strategic transactions of this kind, with global players seeking to tap into the fragmented but rapidly growing financial rails of the African continent.
Unfortunately, Tunisia is missing out on this opportunity. Despite having the necessary skills and infrastructure, the sector has developed and reached a certain level of maturity, and we remain spectators while others take advantage of the opportunities. What a shame.
