Moniepoint, a fast-growing Nigerian fintech startup, has raised $110 million in a new funding round led by Development Partners International (DPI). This new investment nearly triples the company’s valuation, which stood at approximately $400 million in 2022. Now valued at $1 billion, Moniepoint has officially joined the elite ranks of African unicorns, alongside fintech giants like Flutterwave, Interswitch, OPay, and Wave.
Rapid Growth and Expanding Market Share
Founded in 2015, Moniepoint focuses on retail banking solutions, catering to both individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The company operates heavily in agent banking, becoming a leader in Nigeria’s growing financial ecosystem. In 2023, it reported impressive figures, processing 5.2 billion transactions totaling over $150 billion—marking a 205% increase in transaction value year-over-year. While the devaluation of the naira has affected some dollar-based metrics, the company’s performance remains robust, generating annual revenues now exceeding $100 million.
Moniepoint’s influence was recognized on the Financial Times’ list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, where it ranked second in 2023. Its consistent growth and strong market presence reflect not only the company’s operational efficiency but also the increasing demand for digital financial services in Nigeria and across Africa.
Funding Round Insights and Valuation Dynamics
The latest financing also involved a secondary share sale at a discounted valuation, allowing some investors to exit or adjust their holdings. Although Bloomberg had initially reported that Moniepoint aimed for a $1 billion valuation in 2022, it wasn’t achieved until this new funding round. The post-money valuation now cements Moniepoint’s place as Nigeria’s eighth unicorn, sharing the spotlight with industry titans like MNT-Halan and Andela.
The success of Moniepoint highlights a broader trend in Africa’s fintech sector, which has continued to thrive despite global market volatility. Nigeria, in particular, leads the continent’s fintech revolution, attracting nearly half of the total venture capital funding raised across Africa in recent years.
With Moniepoint’s new status as a unicorn, it stands poised to further consolidate its position in the region and explore expansion opportunities. The company’s trajectory also serves as an indicator of Africa’s promising fintech future, where digital solutions and innovative financial services continue to unlock economic potential.