PayPal to Invest $100 Million in Africa, Middle East

PayPal Holdings Inc. has announced a $100 million investment across the Middle East and Africa to boost digital commerce and support entrepreneurs in the region.

According to a company statement, the funds will be distributed through minority investments, acquisitions, PayPal Ventures funding, and the introduction of new technologies.

This initiative builds on the launch of PayPal’s first regional hub in Dubai earlier this year, which was created to offer businesses enhanced access to global payments, security features, and international markets.

PayPal Ventures has already invested in regional startups like Tabby, Paymob, and Stitch. The new funding will expand those efforts and strengthen PayPal’s involvement in developing the region’s digital commerce landscape.

CEO Alex Chriss said the investment aims to help local entrepreneurs grow and connect more consumers to digital services. The company also emphasized its goal to expand in one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets.

Also Read: Why PayPal is Laying Off its 2,000 Employees 

The $100 million pledge mirrors the intensifying global competition for influence in the digital economies of the Middle East and Africa.

These regions are characterized by young, mobile-first populations and surging e-commerce demand, but also face infrastructure challenges and limited access to banking services.

Other global players, such as Mastercard, Visa, and Stripe, have also increased their investments in the region’s fintech and payments sectors.

With its Dubai hub and fresh capital, PayPal is positioning itself to tap into regional growth by integrating its technology into local businesses and enhancing their global reach. Its prior support for startups like Tabby (Saudi Arabia), Paymob (Egypt), and Stitch (South Africa) demonstrates its focus on driving innovation in payments for both consumers and merchants.