In a bold move that could reshape the digital economy across two continents, PayPal has pledged $100 million to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the Middle East and Africa. This isn’t just a corporate investment—it’s a bet on the future of millions of people who are building businesses, launching startups, and trying to connect with the global marketplace.



Announced on September 24, 2025, the commitment will be spread across minority investments, acquisitions, and funding through PayPal Ventures. It also includes deploying talent and technology to help local businesses scale faster and reach wider. For everyday entrepreneurs, this could mean better access to secure payments, global customers, and the kind of digital infrastructure that’s often taken for granted in more developed markets.


“The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving businesses in the world,” said Alex Chriss, PayPal’s President and CEO. His words aren’t just corporate cheerleading—they reflect a region where mobile commerce is booming, and digital solutions are often leapfrogging traditional banking systems. For many, mobile wallets and online payments aren’t just convenient—they’re essential.


This announcement builds on PayPal’s April launch of its first regional hub in Dubai, a strategic gateway designed to streamline global commerce for businesses of all sizes. From large enterprises to solo merchants, the hub offers frictionless payments and robust security—two things that can make or break a business trying to go international.


And PayPal isn’t starting from scratch. Its venture arm has already backed regional standouts like Tabby, Paymob, and Stitch—startups that are redefining how people shop, pay, and move money. These aren’t just tech companies; they’re lifelines for communities where traditional financial services are scarce or unreliable.


Otto Williams, PayPal’s Senior Vice President and Regional Head for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the human impact: “We’re focused on expanding our footprint in the region and ensuring millions of consumers and businesses can access more of the digital services they need to thrive.” That’s not just a business goal—it’s a social one. When small businesses thrive, so do families, neighborhoods, and entire economies.


Why does this matter now? Because digital inclusion is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As global commerce becomes increasingly borderless, regions like Africa and the Middle East are poised to leap into the future. But they need partners who are willing to invest not just money, but trust and infrastructure.


For readers watching this space, keep an eye on how PayPal’s presence evolves. Will this investment unlock new jobs, new startups, and new ways for people to participate in the digital economy? If it does, the ripple effects could be felt far beyond the boardrooms of Silicon Valley—reaching homes, markets, and mobile phones across two continents.


Source: PayPal