Optasia Launches Merchant Lending to Bridge MSME Credit Gap

Optasia has rolled out its first merchant lending proposition, marking a significant step in its strategy to expand across emerging markets. This initiative aims to address the growing credit gap faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa, which is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

The Development Bank of Nigeria has identified access to affordable financing as a critical challenge for Nigerian MSMEs. The merchant lending model allows lenders to assess business transactions through digital payment records and artificial intelligence, moving beyond traditional collateral requirements.

Optasia's expansion comes after a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026, with expected revenue growth of 50-60% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 40-50%. The company anticipates a normalized net income growth of 25-35% for the year, despite temporary disruptions in its airtime credit services in Nigeria earlier in the year.