Hizo, a pioneering fintech startup from Nigeria, successfully secured a seed funding round of $100,000 on June 4, 2025. This investment is set to significantly enhance Hizo’s digital infrastructure, allowing the platform to facilitate transparent intra-African transactions and enable users to convert their funds into local currencies effortlessly across African borders.
Addressing Intra-Africa Payment Challenges
Traders, businesses, and individuals across Africa continue to face numerous hurdles in cross-border transactions. Common issues include intricate currency conversions, high exchange rates, and unreliable financial intermediaries. Victor Chiedu, CEO of Hizo, states, “Our platform eliminates the friction associated with traditional transfer methods, empowering Africans to use their local currencies in multiple countries.”
Unlike standard transfer platforms, Hizo focuses on everyday transactions among Africans, catering to genuine economic activities and community needs. This approach distinguishes Hizo as a vital player in fostering economic integration across the continent.
Strategic Plans for New Financing
Hizo plans to deploy the newly raised capital to enhance its operational capabilities, invest in technological innovation, and expand into new markets. Specifically, the funding will be allocated towards:
- Upgrading product features with advanced technological solutions.
- Broadening market reach and speeding up customer acquisition.
- Enhancing team efficiency through targeted training and strategic hires.
Community-Led Investment Philosophy
The choice to raise funding through friends and family reflects Hizo’s commitment to local empowerment and foundational capital supply. Chiedu explains, “This approach is intentional. We sought investors who genuinely align with our vision and recognize the importance of creating sustainable, community-oriented solutions in Africa.”
This round of financing also positions Hizo favorably for future institutional funding cycles, as the startup aims to deepen its partnerships within the African financial services ecosystem.
Transforming Pan-African Trade
The innovative model of Hizo places it at the forefront of commerce and cross-border trade in Africa. By facilitating secure local currency transactions between African nations, Hizo is establishing new standards for financial inclusivity and accessibility across the continent.
Looking ahead, Hizo plans to integrate additional payment providers and significantly enhance cross-border features by the end of 2025. Chiedu elaborates, “Our ultimate goal is to empower Africans to conduct business across borders without relying on foreign currencies. This funding round is a crucial step on that journey.”
