OneKard has launched a dedicated global payments platform tailored for African businesses engaged in international trade, addressing persistent challenges such as settlement delays, foreign exchange volatility, restricted access to foreign currency accounts, and inadequate provider support in emerging markets.
Announced on January 20, 2026, the platform offers USD and EUR accounts, same-day settlements, FX hedging capabilities, business bill payments, and responsive, business-specific customer support.
OneKard Technologies, a Money Services Business (MSB)-licensed entity registered under FINTRAC in Canada, builds on its consumer app’s track record of processing over $400,000 in transactions for more than 4,000 users to deliver enterprise-grade infrastructure for cross-border operations.
Core Features Addressing Key Pain Points
The platform enables businesses to open and manage multi-currency accounts in USD and EUR, facilitating receipt, holding, and disbursement of funds with enhanced efficiency.
Same-day settlements reduce the liquidity constraints typically associated with traditional cross-border transfers, while FX hedging tools allow users to lock in rates and mitigate losses from currency fluctuations, a critical concern in volatile African markets.
Security remains a priority, with built-in safeguards against fraud, payment errors, and emerging scam risks.
The unified dashboard provides real-time visibility into transactions, improving cash flow planning and operational control.
These features target sectors reliant on global trade, including manufacturers, SMEs, educational institutions, e-commerce operators, exporters, and agribusinesses, enabling them to execute payments across more than 20 countries and 50+ currencies with greater reliability.
Leadership Insights on Purpose-Built Design
The platform’s development draws directly from engagements with African businesses facing inefficiencies in legacy global payment systems.
Tomi Ovia, Chief Executive Officer of OneKard, explained: “OneKard is not just another payment product.
We built it after working closely with African businesses and seeing how much time, money, and momentum they lose trying to operate globally with tools that weren’t designed for them.”
Caleb Obiagwu, Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the emphasis on security: “We listened to businesses that were worried about fraud, payment errors, and scams. Our goal was to make it possible for businesses to move money quickly without compromising on security.”
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Oluwaseyi Otunla, Chief Operating Officer, added, “The platform is designed to help businesses plan better, reduce losses caused by FX volatility, and move capital at critical moments.”
This customer-centric approach positions OneKard as a specialised alternative to conventional providers, prioritising speed, transparency, and tailored support for African operational contexts.
Strategic Implications for African Global Trade
By resolving friction in international finance, OneKard supports the expansion of African enterprises into global markets, promoting improved cash flow management, cost reduction, and competitive positioning.
The MSB licensing and compliance framework ensures regulatory adherence, building trust for scaled cross-border activities.
The launch aligns with broader trends in African fintech toward infrastructure that bridges local realities with international requirements, enabling businesses to focus on growth rather than payment logistics.
Future Outlook
OneKard’s targeted approach to FX volatility and settlement delays equips African businesses with essential tools for reliable, efficient international operations.
Through multi-currency accounts, rapid settlements, hedging mechanisms, and security-focused design, the platform addresses longstanding inefficiencies and supports sustainable expansion in global trade.
As of January 21, 2026, this development reflects the maturation of fintech solutions attuned to African business needs. For the most current information, refer to official resources from OneKard Technologies.
Cross-border Payments Overview
A cross-border payments companies list typically includes global and regional players that facilitate international money movement, ranging from traditional banks to fintech innovators.
Some of the best cross-border payments companies and cross-border payments fintech companies focus on speed, transparency, and cost efficiency for both businesses and individuals.
A common cross-border payments example is a small business in Kenya receiving payment from a buyer in the United States through a specialist provider that handles currency conversion, compliance, and settlement without the high fees of legacy banking rails.
In cross-border payments in Africa, the landscape includes companies that specialise in intra-Africa and global remittances, supporting trade and diaspora inflows.
A cross-border payments platform refers to the technology infrastructure, whether API-based services, mobile apps, or web gateways, that enables these transactions securely and at scale, connecting clients to global and regional payment networks.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
