Business
What should you know before expanding your Africa-based fintech to more countries?In this episode, we explore the art and science of launching financial service products beyond your home country, covering everything from how to choose which countries to expand into, to how to hire in different markets, and what to watch out for when incorporating the business.Our guides through this topic are experienced operators with long experience in expansion: Wiza Jakalasi (Chipper Cash), Marcello Schermer (Yoco), Adia Sowho (ex-Migo), and Maria Rotilu (ex-Branch).IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT0:00 — Introduction2:25 — Why businesses expand into new countries3:35 — Expanding for growth4:00 — The importance of timing4:52 — How to pick your next country7:03 — Prioritizing business drivers9:49 — The impact of regulation14:58 — [Paystack Product Alert] Introducing Paystack's verification service paystack.com/verify15:57 — Midway recap16:34 — Navigating incorporation20:02 — The role of relationships21:55 — How to think about hiring23:53 — The best part of expansionLINKSConnect with Wiza Jakalasi on LinkedInCheck out Africa’s Talking and Chipper CashConnect with Marcello Schermer on LinkedInCheck out YocoConnect with Adia Sowho on LinkedInCheck out MigoConnect with Maria Rotilu on LinkedInCheck out Branch InternationalCheck out the Geert Hofstede Cultural DimensionsLearn more about Delaware C-CorpsCheck out the Mauritius Double Taxation AgreementFOLLOW USThe Decode Fintech newsletter is a weekly email summary of the most important news in African fintech. Subscribe to receive original commentary and curated stories, as well as the latest episode of the podcast.Subscribe to the Decode Fintech NewsletterFollow Decode Fintech on TwitterDECODE FINTECH IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAYSTACKPaystack helps Africa's most successful fintechs build and scale popular financial service products with the industry's best-documented APIs. Please visit paystack.com/fintech to find out more.