- Founded
- 2019-01-01 in Nairobi, Kenya
- Headquarters
- Nairobi, Kenya
Bitlipa is a Nairobi-based payments infrastructure company that provides a unified API solution for businesses operating across Africa. Founded in 2019 by Kenyan technologist Apollo Eric, the platform bridges traditional fiat payments and cryptocurrencies, enabling clients to accept, process, and settle payments via over 50 methods including mobile money, bank transfers, and digital wallets. Bitlipa also offers crypto on/off ramps, making it a key partner for iGaming operators, cryptocurrency exchanges, e-commerce platforms, and SMEs. The company processes over $100 million in transactions monthly and integrates with more than ten licensed payment service providers across the continent. Its payout capabilities cover over ten African currencies for instant settlements. Notable partnerships include Enigma Securities for Bitcoin liquidity and Archway.Finance for cross-border remittances into EUR, GBP, and USD. Bitlipa’s single API integration reduces the complexity of entering multiple African markets, positioning it as a one-stop gateway for businesses seeking both local and cross-border payment solutions.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
Bitlipa was founded in 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya, by Apollo Eric, who also founded Point50 Capital. The company initially launched as a blockchain-focused peer-to-peer remittance network, as reported by Tech in Africa. It later evolved into a full payments infrastructure provider, securing a partnership with Enigma Securities to obtain Bitcoin liquidity and raising $4.1 million in early funding (details not publicly confirmed beyond the Tech in Africa article). In 2024, Bitlipa partnered with Archway.Finance to open remittance corridors into Europe, the UK, and the US using stablecoins like USDC.
Business Model
Bitlipa’s core product is an API that connects merchants to a network of vetted, licensed payment service providers across multiple African countries. The company earns revenue through transaction fees on payments processed via its platform. By offering both fiat and cryptocurrency rails through a single integration, Bitlipa reduces the need for businesses to negotiate separate agreements with each provider. Its platform supports over 50 payment methods, including M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Orange Money, and bank transfers.
Products and Platforms
Bitlipa offers several key products: Bitlipa API – a unified integration connecting businesses to 50+ payment methods across Africa with fiat and crypto settlement; Bitlipa Crypto On/Off Ramp – enabling businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments and convert to local fiat or allow users to buy/sell digital assets; Bitlipa Cross-Border Payouts – instant settlement to individuals or businesses in 10+ African currencies; and Bitlipa Consumer Platform (bitlipa.africa) – a separate cryptocurrency exchange and wallet app for individuals to trade and send Bitcoin, Ether, and other coins.
Market Position and Clients
Bitlipa serves a range of sectors, with a particular focus on iGaming and betting operators, cryptocurrency exchanges, e-commerce platforms, and SMEs. The company claims to process $100 million+ in monthly transaction volume and works with major brands, though specific names are not publicly listed. Its headcount is not disclosed but appears typical of a lean early-stage African fintech. Bitlipa’s headquarters remain in Nairobi, Kenya.
Partnerships and Regulatory Footprint
Bitlipa integrates with more than ten licensed payment service providers across Africa, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Its partnership with Enigma Securities provides Bitcoin liquidity, while the Archway.Finance collaboration expands cross-border capabilities. The company also operates a separate consumer-facing exchange at bitlipa.africa, which offers an Android app for buying and selling cryptocurrencies.
Key Products
Bitlipa Payment API
A single REST API that connects businesses to 50+ African payment methods, including mobile money, bank channels, and crypto on/off ramps. Supports instant payouts in 10+ African currencies, with multi-user dashboard and 24-hour support.
Bitlipa Crypto Exchange (bitlipa.africa)
A separate cryptocurrency trading and payment-acceptance platform. Enables users to buy/sell BTC, ETH, USDT, XRP, DASH, DOGE and others via mobile money (M-Pesa, PesaPal) and accept crypto payments on websites using a payment gateway.
Cross-Border Remittance Corridor
Through partnerships (e.g., Archway.Finance), Bitlipa enables compliant inbound remittances into EUR, GBP, and USD for users in East Africa, as well as outbound payouts in stablecoins or fiat.
Bitlipa API
A single integration for over 50 payment methods, including mobile money, bank transfers, card payments, and crypto, enabling both payment acceptance and disbursements.
Bitlipa Crypto Exchange
A white-label exchange for instant crypto trading and on/off ramps, allowing users to buy and sell digital assets via mobile money or bank accounts.
Payouts
Multi-currency disbursements across 10+ African currencies, offering instant settlement to businesses and individuals.
Smart Routing Engine
Real-time liquidity and cost optimisation for cross-border payments, ensuring the cheapest and fastest corridors are selected automatically.
Bitlipa Crypto On/Off Ramp
Allows businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments and convert them to local fiat currencies, or enable users to buy/sell digital assets.
Bitlipa Cross-Border Payouts
Instant settlement to individuals or businesses in 10+ African currencies.
Bitlipa Consumer Platform (bitlipa.africa)
A separate cryptocurrency exchange and wallet app for individuals to trade, send, and receive Bitcoin, Ether, and other coins.
Key Persons
Apollo EricFounder & CEO