In a landmark move that signals deeper fintech integration across global and African markets, Safaricom PLC , M-PESA, and PayPal have announced a strategic collaboration to enable seamless fund transfers and account linking between their platforms. The partnership is set to unlock global commerce for over 35 million M-PESA users and two million Kenyan businesses and micro traders, giving them direct access to PayPal’s global network spanning over 200 countries.
The initiative allows users to link their M-PESA and PayPal wallets, enabling them to send and receive money globally with ease, speed, and security — a major win for local freelancers, e-commerce traders, and digital entrepreneurs looking to tap into the international gig and digital marketplace.
“This partnership empowers millions across Kenya to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy by conveniently sending and receiving payments,” said Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer, Safaricom PLC. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to transform lives through the power of M-PESA.”
The newly launched service allows M-PESA users to:
- Link their M-PESA accounts to PayPal
- Withdraw PayPal funds directly into their M-PESA wallets
- Top up their PayPal accounts using M-PESA balances
The process is simple, intuitive, and available to all M-PESA customers in Kenya, with plans to expand to other M-PESA markets across Africa.
This partnership represents the latest trend in fintech interoperability, where different providers join forces to deliver more inclusive, connected, and seamless digital experiences.
- PayPal serves over 400 million users globally across 200+ markets.
- M-PESA, Africa’s leading mobile money platform, connects 50+ million users and over 2 million businesses in seven countries, with more than $1.1 billion transacted daily.
“Building seamless connections between the global economy and local financial ecosystems is crucial,” said Otto Williams, Regional Head and GM for Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “We’re thrilled to connect millions of M-PESA users with PayPal’s international customer base.”
Why This Matters: Key Impacts of the Partnership
Empowering the Gig Economy
With the rise of online freelancing, digital services, and remote work, thousands of Kenyans are already earning from platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Etsy. This partnership makes it easier for them to receive international payments via PayPal and immediately access the funds through M-PESA.
Boosting E-Commerce and Cross-Border Trade
Kenyan online sellers and small businesses can now:
- Receive PayPal payments from global clients
- Withdraw funds quickly into M-PESA for reinvestment or operational costs
- Serve international buyers with greater confidence
Advancing Financial Inclusion
M-PESA’s legacy in democratizing access to mobile banking continues. With features like M-PESA Kadogo (waived fees for transactions below KSh 100) and Ziidi MMF (micro-investment from KSh 100), this new PayPal integration further:
- Encourages saving, investing, and online business participation
- Bridges Kenya’s informal sector with the formal global economy
The deal also reflects a pan-African opportunity, as Safaricom hints at plans to expand the service across other M-PESA markets, including:
- Tanzania
- Mozambique
- Lesotho
- DRC
- Ghana
This aligns with the broader continental drive to unlock Africa’s $1.5 trillion digital economy through deeper connectivity, trade integration, and digital skills empowerment.
Quick Facts – M-PESA x PayPal Integration
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wallet Linking | Available via M-PESA PayPal Portal |
| Transfer Capabilities | M-PESA to PayPal and vice versa |
| Target Users | Individuals, freelancers, SMEs, e-commerce |
| Rollout | Kenya first; regional expansion to follow |
| PayPal Reach | 400M+ users, 200+ countries |
| M-PESA Reach | 50M+ users, $1.1B transacted daily |
