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Unlocking Access to Global Opportunity is Key for African Freelancers: Co-Founder of Pesa, Yusuf Yakubu Says.
With the fast rate of growing gig and freelance economy in Nigeria, it is very important to streamline cross-border payments. Africa’s gig economy is experiencing rapid growth, reshaping how millions of people across the continent earn a living.
However, fintech innovation is changing that. New platforms like Pesa and others are stepping in to bridge these gaps by offering tools for receiving international payments, converting currencies, and managing digital finances in a way that caters specifically to African markets.
The platform was developed by a team of Nigerian technology professionals and is designed to help freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses receive payments from clients around the world, easily and securely.
According to the co-founder, Pesa supports transactions in multiple currencies and is already operational in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Users can generate international payment links, access digital wallets, and settle payments locally, with features tailored for gig workers and digital sellers.
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Yusuf Yakubu described the platform as a game-changer for Africa’s digital economy. He stated that the motivation behind Pesa was to empower the continent’s freelance workforce by solving long-standing barriers around payment access and currency conversions.
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Yusuf Yakubu took a moment to recognize the collective efforts that brought the project to life. He highlighted the contributions of Lead Developer Ifeanyi Hilary Madu, describing him as a key figure in the successful development and rollout of the fintech solution. Yakubu noted that Madu played an instrumental role in building the platform from the ground up, demonstrating both deep technical expertise and unwavering commitment to the project’s mission of empowering Africa’s gig economy.
“This was truly a collaborative effort,” Yakubu said. “But I want to especially acknowledge Ifeanyi Hilary Madu. His dedication and skill were essential to getting Pesa off the ground.” The acknowledgment underscored the critical role of local talent in shaping Africa’s emerging tech ecosystem.
The platform is already processing thousands of dollars in transactions weekly, with early users praising its speed and ease of use. Pesa has announced plans to expand its services to additional African countries in the near future.
Founded in 2021, Pesa positions itself as a vital tool for African freelancers, creators, and SMEs navigating the global digital economy. As international freelancing and e-commerce continue to grow, Pesa aims to become a trusted bridge between African talent and global markets.







