Dubai-based artificial intelligence fintech company Optasia is setting its sights on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), where it aims to raise a massive $375 million (approximately R6.3 billion) in what could become one of the largest African fintech listings of the decade, according to Reuters.
The company — known for blending AI technology with inclusive finance — plans to achieve the target through a mix of new share issuances and secondary sales. According to details shared with Reuters, about R1.3 billion will come from newly issued shares, while another R5 billion will be generated from existing investors offloading part of their stakes through a private placement.
This strategic balance allows Optasia to fund its future expansion while giving early investors a chance to realise returns.

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Bringing AI to Underserved Communities
Founded in 2012, Optasia operates on a mission that resonates deeply with emerging markets — using artificial intelligence to extend financial access to people excluded from the traditional banking system.
The company partners with major telecommunications operators, offering microloans, mobile credit, and data top-ups to millions of users. Through AI-driven credit scoring, Optasia analyses alternative data such as mobile usage and payment behaviour, enabling it to serve people with little or no formal credit history.
Optasia’s footprint is vast — spanning 38 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Its customer base exceeds 121 million monthly active users, processing around 32 million transactions daily.
In South Africa, it already collaborates with leading network providers like MTN and Vodacom, while its partnerships with Airtel and other mobile operators strengthen its reach in markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt.
“An IPO will allow us to accelerate our growth, raise our visibility, and continue innovating to expand financial opportunity where it’s needed most,” said CEO Salvador Anglada. His statement underscores Optasia’s vision — combining technology and empathy to transform how low-income earners access financial services.

Why the Johannesburg Stock Exchange?
Optasia’s decision to list in South Africa is both strategic and symbolic. The JSE remains Africa’s most sophisticated capital market — with deep liquidity, strong governance structures, and access to institutional investors from across the continent.
For the company, a South African listing signals long-term commitment to Africa, its fastest-growing region. It also aligns with investor appetite for AI-driven fintech innovations, which are reshaping access to credit, insurance, and payment ecosystems.
By listing in Johannesburg instead of New York or London, Optasia is also sending a clear message: African markets are ready to host global tech growth stories.
The company’s executives believe the JSE offers the right environment to blend regional identity with international visibility. It’s not only about raising money — it’s about credibility, proximity to customers, and integration with Africa’s investment community.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Analysts say Optasia’s listing could be a defining moment for African fintech, much like Flutterwave and Chipper Cash’s global rise. But the road ahead will demand precision and transparency.
Operating in 38 countries means navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, currency volatility, and compliance hurdles. Furthermore, the African fintech ecosystem is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies like Branch, Carbon, and FairMoney already offering digital credit and lending solutions.
Investor expectations will focus on profitability and sustainability, not just user growth. Optasia’s AI models must prove resilient against defaults while maintaining responsible lending standards.
Despite these challenges, the firm’s scale and technology edge remain impressive. Its daily loan volume, strategic telecom partnerships, and AI-based risk assessment make it one of the most data-rich fintechs in emerging markets.
If the IPO is successful, the funds will likely be channelled into AI development, infrastructure expansion, and new product offerings — such as savings plans, insurance, and small business credit tailored to informal economies.
What the Listing Means for Africa’s Fintech Scene
Optasia’s move could spark renewed investor interest in Africa’s financial technology sector. The listing provides a homegrown success story that contrasts with the trend of African startups pursuing listings abroad.
It also demonstrates that fintech companies born out of real economic need — like serving unbanked citizens — can become profitable and globally competitive enterprises.
For the JSE, this IPO could revitalise its technology listings pipeline and affirm South Africa’s role as Africa’s financial capital. For regional investors, it offers a chance to participate directly in a company driving digital inclusion at scale.
Industry observers believe the timing is right. As artificial intelligence reshapes lending, insurance, and risk modelling, companies like Optasia that already integrate AI into real-world services stand to capture the next wave of financial innovation.

A Symbol of African Innovation
In many ways, Optasia’s upcoming IPO symbolises a new chapter for Africa’s digital economy — one that merges advanced technology with social impact. By leveraging data, AI, and partnerships, the company has proven that financial access can be both inclusive and profitable.
If the Johannesburg listing succeeds, Optasia could not only boost its growth trajectory but also inspire other fintechs across the continent to consider African exchanges for capital raising.
In a world where technology often deepens inequality, Optasia’s story is about the reverse — using artificial intelligence to bridge financial gaps. As it prepares to debut on the JSE, the company’s message is simple but powerful: innovation can be African, inclusive, and globally competitive.
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