African freelancers and remote workers can now receive international payments in minutes rather than days, after London, United Kingdom-based payments infrastructure provider Noah and financial platform Payd announced a strategic partnership on 12 February 2026.
The integration gives Payd’s 30,000 active users access to regulated virtual USD and EUR accounts directly within the Payd app. Users can generate virtual International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) for EUR or US routing numbers for USD, enabling them to receive funds from clients worldwide without relying on the SWIFT network.
How the integration works
When funds arrive in a user’s virtual account, Noah converts them to stablecoins (USDC or USDT) in real time. Users can then hold digital dollars, spend online, or convert to local currency when they choose.
The companies said the approach saves up to 10% in lifting fees compared with traditional correspondent banking, which typically charges 3% to 8% per transaction. Settlement times are also reduced from up to 5 business days to minutes, according to the announcement.
Country-specific benefits
The partnership addresses distinct pain points across several African markets. In Nairobi, Kenya, users can off-ramp funds directly to M-Pesa. In Lagos, Nigeria, the virtual USD accounts bypass the bureaucratic requirements of traditional domiciliary accounts, an area where international payment platforms have faced friction, while offering market-reflective naira exchange rates.
In South Africa, the integration simplifies compliance with the country’s exchange control regulations. For users in Dakar, Senegal, virtual EUR accounts enable SEPA transfers from European clients, with off-ramp options to Wave and Orange Money.
Tapping a growing workforce
The partnership comes as cryptocurrency-based payment solutions gain traction across the continent. Africa is projected to host the largest global workforce by 2040, and the demand for efficient cross-border payment infrastructure is growing alongside the rise of remote and freelance work.
Noah provides financial infrastructure connecting banks, payment networks, and digital finance platforms through products including its Bank Onramp, Global Payouts API, and Hosted Checkout. Payd positions itself as a financial operating system for the modern African professional.
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