PayPal Holdings, Inc. today announced a landmark commitment to invest $100 million throughout the Middle East and Africa.
The goal is to fuel innovation, support entrepreneurs, and drive inclusive economic growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital commerce regions. This move underscores PayPal’s long-term strategic vision to deepen its presence in high-growth markets and enable a more connected global digital economy.
The $100 million investment will be deployed through a mix of minority investments, acquisitions, PayPal Ventures funding, and the deployment of people and technology. These initiatives aim to help local businesses scale, unlock new opportunities for innovators, and bring millions more consumers and communities into the digital economy. By combining financial backing with technological expertise and strategic partnerships, PayPal intends to play a catalytic role in accelerating digital transformation across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving businesses in the world,” said Alex Chriss, President and CEO, PayPal. “By dedicating a $100 million investment to this region over the coming years, we’re investing in the technologies, partnerships, and solutions that will help entrepreneurs scale faster, expand their reach beyond borders, and unlock new opportunities for growth in the digital economy.”
The announcement follows the April launch of the company’s first regional hub in Dubai, a strategic gateway designed to deliver global commerce capabilities to the region. The Dubai hub serves as a regional anchor, enabling businesses of all sizes—from large enterprises to small merchants—to access frictionless payments, robust security infrastructure, and improved pathways to international markets. This expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for trusted, seamless payment solutions that support cross-border trade and digital entrepreneurship.
The $100 million commitment also builds on the company’s Ventures’ existing investments in some of the Middle East and Africa’s most promising startups, including Tabby, Paymob, and Stitch. These companies are at the forefront of transforming commerce experiences through innovative payment solutions, embedded finance, and developer-friendly platforms. By continuing to support such ventures, PayPal reinforces its role as a long-term partner shaping the future of digital commerce in the region.
“This commitment underscores our dedication to expanding PayPal’s presence in the Middle East and Africa, and our focus is to build stronger connections between local businesses and the global marketplace,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa. “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.”
The Middle East and Africa represent some of the most compelling opportunities in the global digital economy. With rapidly growing internet penetration, a young and tech-savvy population, and increasing smartphone adoption, the region has become a focal point for fintech innovation and e-commerce growth. Entrepreneurs are launching platforms that address everything from last-mile logistics to embedded finance, while consumers are embracing digital payments at record speed.
Their investment will support this ecosystem by empowering startups, strengthening digital infrastructure, and connecting regional innovators to their global network of more than 400 million active users. The company aims to foster stronger partnerships with local financial institutions, regulators, and technology providers to create an environment where innovation can thrive.
Through this multi-faceted approach, they are not only providing capital but also sharing its technological expertise and global best practices to support sustainable, long-term growth. By doing so, it hopes to accelerate the development of inclusive financial systems that benefit businesses and consumers alike.
This strategic commitment aligns with PayPal’s broader mission to democratise financial services and ensure that everyone—regardless of location- can participate fully in the digital economy. By focusing on the Middle East and Africa, PayPal is recognising the region’s growing significance on the global commerce stage and positioning itself as a key enabler of its next chapter of growth.
