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East Africa Frontline News

NextFrontier Africa is a media platform spotlighting Africa’s emerging opportunities in technology, tourism, aviation, agriculture, health, logistics, real estate, trade, education, and e-commerce.

June 08.2025

2 Minutes Read

Oreoluwa Adeyemo: Transforming Africa’s Cross-Border Payment Landscape

Stylized illustration related to Africa's cross-border payments.

The Journey of Oreoluwa Adeyemo: A Visionary in Fintech

At the heart of Africa’s burgeoning fintech ecosystem lies the inspiring story of Oreoluwa Adeyemo. Raised amidst a culture that values entrepreneurship, he transitioned from an aspiring academic to a tech innovator, co-founding Starks Associates to revolutionize cross-border payments. At its core, Adeyemo’s mission is to tackle the complex web of over 40 currencies and various financial regulations that plague Africa’s economic landscape.

Redefining Cross-Border Transactions in Africa

Adeyemo’s foresight has led his startup to facilitate $3 billion in cross-border payments within a mere four years. With his sights set on doubling that amount to $6 billion in 2025, his vision is ambitious yet attainable, aligning with the increasing need for efficient financial transactions across Africa. In an industry where using third-party currencies, such as the euro or dollar, adds considerable costs, Starks Associates stands as a beacon of hope for reduced fees and faster transactions.

The Challenges of Africa's Payment Landscape

The staggering average transfer fee of $168 for a $500 transaction in Tanzania underscores the challenges Adeyemo’s platform seeks to address. His early experiences under the guidance of his father established a deep appreciation for business, while his time at the University of Ibadan honed his analytical skills. Despite facing personal challenges in mastering complex mathematics, his determination to succeed fostered a leadership quality that is evident in his entrepreneurial journey.

Lessons from a Young Entrepreneur

Adeyemo's transition from academia to entrepreneurship teaches a valuable lesson about innovation that arises from unexpected opportunities. Instead of merely aiming for academic accolades, he learned to capitalize on intellectual property, creating and selling study aids during his university years. This formative experience not only solidified his understanding of the financial world but also ignited his passion for entrepreneurship.

Conclusion: A Future Without Borders

Adeyemo’s journey embodies the potential for transformative change within Africa’s financial systems. As technology continues to escalate the demand for seamless transactions, his commitment to providing innovative solutions stands to benefit countless individuals and businesses. It’s a testament to how perseverance, curiosity, and vision can contribute to significant economic improvements across the continent.

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Oreoluwa Adeyemo: Transforming Africa’s Cross-Border Payment Landscape

The Journey of Oreoluwa Adeyemo: A Visionary in Fintech

Redefining Cross-Border Transactions in Africa

The Challenges of Africa's Payment Landscape

Lessons from a Young Entrepreneur

Conclusion: A Future Without Borders

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