Fintech giant OPay is preparing for a landmark Initial Public Offering in the United States, appointing Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Deutsche Bank to lead the multi-billion-dollar share sale.
The Nigerian-founded company is reportedly seeking a valuation of approximately $4 billion. The listing on either the NYSE or Nasdaq is expected to launch in late 2026.
This move aims to secure deep-pocketed global investors to fund its rapid expansion across Africa and the Middle East.
OPay’s primary backer, Opera Limited, recently signaled high confidence in the exit strategy. Financial filings assigned an 85% probability to the IPO occurring within the next two years.
The timing coincides with a broader push for transparency in Nigeria’s fintech sector. Just last month, the Central Bank introduced new Bank Verification Number (BVN) restrictions to combat SIM-swap and identity fraud.
Meawhile, OPay’s dominance in mobile payments remains unmatched. The company processed over $13 billion in 2025, benefiting from Nigeria’s aggressive shift toward a cashless economic model.
A successful U.S. listing would provide OPay with the capital necessary to challenge traditional banks. It currently competes directly with commercial lenders for retail deposits and credit services.
The IPO follows a period of significant consolidation in African tech. Investors are increasingly favoring profitable, high-volume platforms over speculative startups as global interest rates remain elevated.
