Ozow and Lula integrate platforms to embed SME funding within merchant portal

The technological partnership utilizes transaction history to display pre-qualified capital amounts, streamlining the loan application process for South African businesses.

Ozow interim CEO Rachel Cowan

Ozow, a digital payments platform, and Lula, a financial services provider for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have established a partnership to integrate their systems. The collaboration creates a co-branded digital interface that allows businesses using Ozow’s payment ecosystem to apply for capital provided by Lula.

The integration utilizes the existing transaction history of businesses operating on the Ozow Merchant Portal. Based on this data, merchants can view the specific funding amounts they qualify for before initiating an application. Once the merchant applies through this channel, Lula manages the assessment and fulfillment of the funds. This setup connects Lula with a pre-vetted base of businesses while reducing the steps required for merchants to access capital.

Rachel Cowan, interim CEO of Ozow, stated that the initiative aligns with the company's objective to offer services beyond transaction processing. “Our focus has always been on empowering businesses and giving them the tools to thrive in the digital economy,” said Cowan. “Through this partnership with Lula, we are extending that role by improving access to funding for our merchants through a channel they already use and trust.”

She also noted the structural changes in the sector regarding the consolidation of services. “Fintech platforms are increasingly expected to deliver more integrated solutions that support how businesses operate day-to-day. This collaboration is a practical extension of that shift, allowing us to connect merchants to additional services that support their growth.”

For Lula, the integration functions as an embedded distribution channel. David Winter, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Lula, highlighted this strategy. “Lula’s approach has always been to meet businesses where they are,” said Winter. “By partnering with Ozow, we are able to extend our reach to a large and active base of SMEs that are already participating in the digital economy.”

He added: “This collaboration enables us to provide funding solutions in a way that is both accessible and aligned with how these businesses operate on a day-to-day basis.”

Ozow plans to roll out communication regarding the new interface to its merchant base in the coming weeks. Cowan concluded: “Our merchants are central to everything we do. Ensuring they have access to the tools, resources, data and insight they need, whether that’s payments infrastructure or funding, is critical to their ability to operate and grow, and ultimately contributes to broader economic activity.”