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Why Nigerian fintech Duplo is turning to banks to distribute its software

Published 24 July 2026

Wema Bank is the first commercial bank to distribute Duplo's software. The move reflects an emerging pattern across Africa's financial services industry in the past three years: banks and payment networks partnering with fintech startups to offer their business customers software

The partnership between Duplo and Wema Bank is an example of the growing trend of bank-fintech collaborations in Africa, which is driven by the need for banks to stay competitive and offer innovative solutions to their customers. This trend is also reflected in the increasing number of fintech investments and partnerships between banks and fintech startups in the region. According to industry experts, this collaboration is a win-win for both parties, as it allows banks to leverage the expertise and agility of fintech startups, while also providing fintech startups with access to a larger customer base and more resources.

The African fintech market is growing rapidly, with the number of fintech startups in the region increasing by 30% in the past year alone. The market is also attracting significant investments, with $1.3 billion invested in African fintech startups in 2022, up from $800 million in 2021. The partnership between Duplo and Wema Bank is a significant development in this market, as it highlights the growing recognition of the importance of collaboration between traditional financial institutions and fintech startups. Some of the key benefits of this partnership include:
* Increased access to financial services for businesses and individuals
* Improved efficiency and reduced costs for banks and fintech startups
* Enhanced innovation and competitiveness in the financial services industry

The partnership between Duplo and Wema Bank is part of a larger trend of digital transformation in the African financial services industry. This trend is driven by the increasing adoption of digital technologies, such as mobile payments and online banking, which are changing the way people access and use financial services. As the African fintech market continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see more partnerships and collaborations between banks and fintech startups, as well as the emergence of new innovative solutions and business models.

> "The future of financial services in Africa is digital, and it will be shaped by the collaboration between traditional financial institutions and fintech startups. This partnership is a significant step in this direction, and it highlights the growing recognition of the importance of innovation and collaboration in the financial services industry."

What Comes Next for Duplo and Wema Bank is the expansion of their partnership to other areas, such as digital lending and financial inclusion. This will require the development of new products and services, as well as the expansion of their distribution channels to reach more businesses and individuals. According to industry experts, the key to success in this market will be the ability to innovate and adapt to changing customer needs, as well as the ability to build strong partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the financial services industry.

The partnership between Duplo and Wema Bank is a significant development in the African fintech market, and it highlights the growing trend of collaboration between traditional financial institutions and fintech startups. This partnership is a win-win for both parties, as it allows banks to leverage the expertise and agility of fintech startups, while also providing fintech startups with access to a larger customer base and more resources. As the African fintech market continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see more partnerships and collaborations between banks and fintech startups, as well as the emergence of new innovative solutions and business models.

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