Cross Switch partners with Pesawise to launch in Kenya’s fintech hub, targeting 10,000 merchants and expanding digital payments across East Africa.
Cross Switch Launches in Kenya via Pesawise Deal
Nairobi, May 15, 2025 — In a move that could reshape East Africa’s fintech ecosystem, global digital payments firm Cross Switch has entered the Kenyan market through a strategic partnership with local fintech company Pesawise.
The deal grants Cross Switch regulatory access via Pesawise’s Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) license, positioning it at the center of one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital economies.
“Kenya is Africa’s sandbox for fintech innovation,”
— Tim Davis, Group CEO, Cross Switch
Why Kenya? Why Now?
Kenya is leading the continent in digital payments and mobile money innovation, with over 70% of the population actively using mobile money services like M-Pesa. According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), digital transactions accounted for over 80% of all payments in 2024, up from 68% in 2019.
This fintech-friendly environment, combined with CBK’s open banking regulations, has made Kenya a prime market for global fintech firms like Cross Switch.
Already operating in West Africa—including Nigeria, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire—Cross Switch now views Kenya as its gateway into the East African Corridor.
“Cross Switch brings infrastructure muscle. Together, we’re building tailored payment solutions for Kenya,”
— Jamal Khan, CEO, Pesawise
Inside the Cross Switch–Pesawise Partnership
The partnership gives Cross Switch immediate access to Kenya’s financial system, bypassing the regulatory delays that often stall foreign fintechs. Initial rollout plans include:
- Merchant aggregation services
- Interoperable digital payment rails
- Future expansions into cross-border payments, embedded finance, and AI-driven fraud detection
This aligns with Kenya’s national goal of creating a cashless and inclusive economy, particularly targeting MSMEs and rural communities.
A Crowded Yet Promising Fintech Market
While M-Pesa remains dominant, newer platforms like Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, and Cellulant are gaining market share in merchant payments and international remittances.
Cross Switch aims to differentiate itself by offering:
- API-first architecture
- Modular, scalable infrastructure
- Enterprise-grade fintech services across jurisdictions
These capabilities are designed to outmaneuver legacy systems and meet the demands of pan-African and local clients alike.
What’s Next for Cross Switch in Kenya?
🚀 Initial Rollout Targets:
- Over 10,000 merchants in Nairobi and Mombasa by Q4 2025
- Launch of a cross-border SME remittance product connecting Kenya with Tanzania and Rwanda
“This isn’t just an expansion. It’s the start of a larger African payments transformation.”
— Tim Davis, CEO, Cross Switch
📌 Bottom Line
Cross Switch’s May 15, 2025 partnership with Pesawise represents a major milestone in East Africa’s fintech race. With a focus on scalable digital payment solutions, regulatory agility, and regional integration, Cross Switch is betting on Kenya not just as a market—but as the launchpad for its continental ambitions.
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