PayU GPO expands African footprint with innovative payments and leadership boost

PayU GPO reinforces its African strategy with Account-to-Account (A2A) payments in Nigeria and a new Country Manager for South Africa. The move aligns with shifting consumer trends and regulatory advancements in digital payments.

Ryan Engel, SA country manager, PayU GPO. Photo: LinkedIn. Portal ERP South Africa. 

PayU GPO, a leading online payment provider in over 40 emerging markets, is doubling down on its African expansion with two key initiatives: the launch of Account-to-Account (A2A) payments in Nigeria and the appointment of Ryan Engel as Country Manager for South Africa.

This strategic push underscores PayU GPO’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and modernizing Africa’s payment infrastructure amid rapidly evolving consumer behaviors.

The timing is critical. Across the continent, alternative payment methods are surging, while traditional card usage declines. In South Africa alone, card transactions dropped from 93% in 2022 to 84% in 2024 during Black Friday sales. Meanwhile, mobile-first payments dominate, with 67% of transactions occurring on smartphones, and Open Banking solutions like CapitecPay growing 104% year-on-year.

“Our focus on A2A and mobile-first solutions isn’t just innovation, it’s necessity,” said Imraan Appleby, Africa Head of Product at PayU GPO. “Consumers want speed and simplicity; merchants need adaptable tools.” The new A2A system in Nigeria eliminates card dependencies, offering lower costs, real-time settlements, and enhanced security for both businesses and consumers.

This growth aligns with broader industry collaboration shaping Africa’s financial future. In South Africa, the Reserve Bank’s Payment Ecosystem Modernisation Programme (PEM) is fostering innovation through initiatives like QR standardization and digital identity frameworks. PayU GPO’s compliance with PCI DSS v4.0.1 for Nigeria and South Africa further cements its role as a secure, long-term player.

Leading the charge in South Africa is Ryan Engel, the newly appointed Country Manager. With expertise in payments and digital transformation, Engel aims to strengthen local partnerships and accelerate PayU GPO’s regional impact. “Africa’s payment landscape is transforming,” he noted. “PayU GPO is poised to lead that change.”