Capi Secures Landmark Cross-Border Payment License as First Fintech in West Africa's UEMOA Zone

Quick Summary

Capi has become the first fintech to secure a cross-border payments license within the UEMOA zone. Authorized by Côte d'Ivoire’s Ministry of Finance and registered with the BCEAO, Capi now enables West African businesses to move money internationally up to five times faster than traditional banks.

How Does Capi Solve Cross-Border Payment Delays in West Africa?

Cross-border payments in the UEMOA region have historically been plagued by fragmentation, with standard bank transfers often taking 10 days or more to settle. Capi addresses this by operating as a licensed banking intermediary (IOB), allowing them to work directly with established financial institutions like Afrika Banque Côte d'Ivoire.

• Five times faster settlement speeds compared to traditional local bank transfers.
• Full compliance with regional regulatory standards set by the BCEAO.
• A single regulated path serving eight West African countries within the monetary union.

By integrating directly into the regulated financial fabric, Capi ensures that international money movement is no longer a bottleneck for Ivorian businesses looking to scale globally.

What Does the BCEAO Registration Mean for Fintech Innovation?

The entry of Capi onto the BCEAO register (No. CI00022/IOB/2026) marks a significant shift in how regional regulators view fintech infrastructure providers. This authorization is the result of a two-year collaboration between Capi, the Ministry of Finance, and central bank authorities to merge modern technology with strict local standards.

"This was a hard thing to do, and we did it first. Becoming the first fintech licensed for cross-border payments in the UEMOA is a milestone for Capi and for the businesses we serve across West Africa. It was always our bet to build in the open, work with regulators and go through the front door, because that's how you build a generational company. For our customers in Côte d'Ivoire, it means a regulator-approved footing and a faster, more reliable way to move money internationally." said Scott Liddle, Cofounder & CRO of Capi.

What is the Scale of Capi’s Current Operations?

Since its founding in 2023, Capi has rapidly scaled its financial infrastructure to meet the demands of emerging markets. The company now processes over $1 billion annually in transactions, demonstrating the massive appetite for efficient cross-border payments solutions in Africa.

• Over $19 million raised in equity funding from top-tier investors like Y Combinator and Creandum.
• Active operations across eight African markets.
• Headquartered in London with dedicated local market expertise in Abidjan and beyond.

FF NEWS TAKE:

Capi’s licensing in the UEMOA zone definitely moves the needle for African trade. By securing a cross-border payments license through the "front door" of the BCEAO, they haven't just launched a product; they've built a regulated bridge into an eight-country bloc. Reducing settlement times from ten days to two is a massive competitive advantage that will force traditional regional banks to modernize or lose significant merchant volume.