The African fintech revolution continues to gain momentum as Egyptian financial technology pioneer Valu celebrates a significant milestone: final approval from the Central Bank of Jordan to launch operations in the first quarter of 2026.

This expansion represents more than just business growth—it's about extending financial inclusion and flexible payment options to consumers who have historically had limited access to credit services. Valu, owned by financial services group EFG Holding, has established itself as one of the largest and most innovative companies in the Middle East and North Africa region, and now it's sharing that success with Jordanian consumers.

The company will operate under a specialized finance license, enabling it to offer a comprehensive range of consumer financing products, including its popular buy-now-pay-later services. This model has already transformed how millions of customers make purchases, allowing them to access goods and services they need while managing their budgets responsibly.

Leading the Jordanian venture is CEO Mohammad Al Yousef, who brings over 18 years of valuable experience across fintech, ecommerce, technology, and telecommunications. Joining him is Mothanna Gharaibeh, former Jordanian investment minister, who will serve as board chairman. This combination of local expertise and fintech innovation positions Valu Jordan for meaningful impact.

The timing couldn't be better. Jordan's consumer credit market remains significantly underpenetrated, particularly in retail services and Islamic finance. Digital finance is growing in the country, and Valu's entry will help accelerate that evolution, bringing more choice and competition to benefit consumers.

Meanwhile, across Africa, financial institutions are working together to make life easier for millions. Sterling Bank in Nigeria has partnered with global payments provider Thunes to enable seamless international money transfers. Nigerian customers can now receive payments from Europe directly into their bank accounts without the hassle of branch visits or lengthy processing times.

This matters tremendously for Nigerian families. With remittance inflows exceeding 20 billion dollars annually, these funds represent vital support for households, education, healthcare, and small businesses. Making these transfers faster, easier, and more affordable puts more money in people's pockets and strengthens family connections across continents.

Sterling Bank's innovation doesn't stop there. The bank's homegrown core banking application, SEABaaS, processed an impressive two billion transactions in 2025, demonstrating how African institutions are building world-class technology solutions.

These developments reflect a broader truth about technology in Africa and the Middle East: innovation is flourishing, financial access is expanding, and millions of people are gaining tools to improve their economic lives. While skeptics may question whether technology bubbles exist, the real-world impact of these financial innovations is undeniable and measurable in the lives they touch.

As Valu prepares to serve Jordanian customers and Sterling Bank opens new remittance channels, they're part of a larger story of connection, opportunity, and progress. The future of finance in these regions is being written by visionary companies that understand technology's true purpose: serving people, expanding possibility, and building bridges across borders.