Francophone Africa, with its strong economic potential, is emerging as a key attraction for companies seeking new opportunities. Despite its dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, the region remains largely untapped by international startups.

Startbutton, a pan-African fintech company that enables businesses to expand internationally without physical offices, announced on Friday its expansion into seven new Francophone African countries: Benin, Togo, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Conakry, and Cameroon. This move brings the startup's operations to 15 African markets.

Commenting on the expansion, Startbutton co-founder Malick Bolakale stated: “Francophone Africa maintains strong trade ties with Europe, particularly France, creating unique payment flows and business expansion opportunities. The region is less saturated than Anglophone Africa but holds significant economic potential.” This strategic analysis underpins the company’s decision to target the high-growth potential of the Francophone market.

Startbutton’s expansion aligns with its broader goal of becoming a key infrastructure provider for businesses operating across Africa. With over 300 million people, Francophone Africa represents a strategic destination for companies looking to scale. Currently, Startbutton processes over $5 million per month, generating revenue through transaction fees ranging from 0.5% to 1%. With this expansion, the company expects an additional $2 million in transaction volume from Francophone markets.

Despite ongoing challenges related to cross-border payments and regulatory compliance, Startbutton aims to establish itself as a central player in Africa’s evolving commerce landscape by offering local currency payment solutions while ensuring adherence to local regulations.

This expansion is a major asset for payment companies seeking to enter Francophone Africa without the need for physical offices, reducing operational costs while ensuring regulatory compliance. Startbutton already serves over 100 businesses across 20 countries, primarily in aviation, gaming, and e-commerce, facilitating cross-border growth with tailored payment solutions.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji