OPay, a unicorn fintech, has emerged as a household name in Nigeria, spearheading a mobile money revolution reminiscent of Kenya’s successful ‘M-PESA’ mobile money system.
In just five years, OPay has become Nigeria’s most downloaded fintech app, offering a ‘super app’ that combines multiple services despite the Lagos State Government’s ban on bike-hailing service ORide, OPay’s mobile money and payment services continue to thrive.
By leveraging its vast network of agents, OPay enables unbanked and underbanked users to easily send and receive money, pay bills, and conduct financial transactions. The company’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its ability to address the challenge of poor digital identity.
OPay utilizes phone numbers and BVN as identifiers, offering a richer experience than competitors relying solely on USSD.
Also, OPay’s agile IT network allows for rapid capacity expansion, surpassing the capabilities of traditional banks.
While OPay’s core strategies have played a crucial role in its success, its significant financial backing from parent company Opera cannot be overlooked. The availability of ample funding has empowered OPay to aggressively promote its offerings to all Nigerians, whether banked, unbanked, or underbanked.
Some industry stakeholders credit OPay’s rise to the failure of commercial banks to invest in their IT infrastructure.
The recent cash crunch exposed the frailty of traditional banks’ systems, prompting many Nigerians to shift towards FinTech. OPay, along with other innovative companies, capitalized on this opportunity and offered swift transactions, accessibility, and attractive incentives that traditional banks couldn’t match.
OPay’s advantage lies in its extensive agent network, made possible by acquiring a Mobile Money Operator (MMO) license. With over 500,000 agents, OPay’s network surpasses that of Firstmonie, the fintech arm of one of Nigeria’s largest banks. The ease of acquiring POS machines and OPay’s commitment to agent empowerment have made it a popular choice among aspiring agents.
Customers have also lauded OPay for its convenience, wide range of services, and the ability to make free transfers to other banks. However, some users have expressed concern about OPay’s recent decision to charge N10 per transfer after the third transaction in a day.
OPay’s journey in Nigeria began with Opera’s $100 million investment fund, with a significant portion dedicated to the Nigerian market. The acquisition of PayCom, a Nigerian fintech service, fueled OPay’s growth and enabled its position as a dominant player in Nigeria’s fintech landscape.
With recent major funding rounds, including a $400 million investment led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, OPay continues to shape the fintech industry and solidify its role as a driver of financial inclusion in Nigeria. As OPay’s user base surpasses 35 million customers, its impact on the country’s financial landscape is undeniable.
Overall, OPay’s transformative approach, extensive agent network, and commitment to financial inclusion are revolutionizing Nigeria’s financial industry, providing easy and affordable services to individuals who were previously underserved.
