#Xrp

Ripple has taken an equity stake in Flutterwave, one of Africa's most valuable fintech startups, as both companies look to accelerate payments expansion and deepen strategic partnerships across the continent. The investment values Flutterwave at $3.3 billion, according to CEO Olugbenga Agboola, who declined to disclose how much Ripple invested or the size of its shareholding. Flutterwave was previously valued at more than $3 billion in a 2022 funding round.

Agboola said Flutterwave is receiving cash from Ripple, along with deeper access to payment infrastructure across Africa. Ripple's interest appears tied to a shared push to move money faster and more efficiently, with the blockchain company participating at the equity level rather than only through a commercial partnership. The deal could give Ripple access to one of Africa's largest fintech networks, while giving Flutterwave more infrastructure and expertise to expand both traditional and blockchain-based payment services.