dLocal, the leading cross-border payment platform connecting global merchants to emerging markets, has partnered with Digit9, a cross-border payments orchestration platform, to support the expansion of its payout offering across key African markets. 

The partnership with dLocal will see Digit9, a part of global financial services conglomerate LuLu Financial Holdings, utilise local bank rails and widely used alternative payment methods (APMs) across five key African markets. 

Remittance costs to Africa remain the highest in the world, averaging about 8.5%—almost triple the UN’s recommended benchmark of 3%. This highlights the need for more efficient, locally integrated solutions. The partnership helps address that gap by reducing processing layers, improving delivery speed, and offering broader payout options through a single platform.

The integration supports Digit9 in overcoming common payout challenges, from fragmented infrastructure to limited eWallet interoperability. It also strengthens service quality on the ground, helping recipients access funds through the methods they use most.

“Africa is a key part of our growth strategy, and reaching it effectively means partnering with platforms that understand local dynamics,” said Joseph Cleetus, Vice President of Business Transformation at Lulu Financial Holdings. “With dLocal, we’re able to offer our customers more dependable payouts in the markets that matter most—including key African countries, each with complex, diverse payment ecosystems and significant growth potential.”

“Digit9 understands the importance of local relevance in cross-border payments, especially across diverse and fast-growing markets like Africa,” said Agustín Botta, VP of Sales EMEA at dLocal. “This collaboration is about building payout experiences that truly reflect how people move money, in ways that work for each local context.”

//Staff writer