For a long time, Nigerians have struggled with something as simple as paying for everyday digital services like Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon. International platforms often reject local cards, and foreign exchange restrictions have made global payments frustrating, especially for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who rely heavily on these tools.
Now, Platnova is changing that narrative. The digital finance startup has become the first Nigerian business to successfully integrate with Apple Pay, allowing users in Nigeria to make secure international payments directly from their iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.
“This is more than just a feature launch for us,” says Benjamin Oyemolan, CEO and Co-founder of Platnova. “We’ve always believed that money should move without borders. With this integration, we’re giving Nigerians the freedom to pay for the things they need, anywhere in the world, with ease.”
With the new update, users can create a USD virtual card within the Platnova app, add it to their Apple Wallet, and start making payments within minutes. The process is simple: download the app, sign up, generate a USD card, and verify it. Once that is done, users can shop, subscribe, and pay online globally using Apple Pay’s secure and fast tap-to-pay system.
For many, this marks a significant turning point. Adaora, a Lagos-based freelance designer, said the experience felt like a long-awaited relief.
“I used to go through hoops just to pay for my design tools,” she says. “Now I just tap and pay. It feels like Nigeria finally caught up with the rest of the world.”
The integration is a major win for the Nigerian fintech industry, which has long been finding ways to build solutions for global connectivity. It also highlights the growing importance of digital finance tools for creatives, small businesses, and tech-savvy consumers who are navigating a connected world but often feel limited by local banking systems.
“We’re not just offering payments,” Oyemolan explains. “We’re offering possibilities. Whether you’re a creator, a student, or a business owner, this is one less thing to worry about. You can now focus on growing without constantly asking how you’ll pay for essential tools and platforms.”
Platnova has quickly gained traction in Nigeria’s fintech space by focusing on usability, speed, and access. With support for more than 13 currencies and users in over 50 countries, the platform offers features like multi-currency wallets, seamless naira transfers, and now, international payments via Apple Pay.
As more Nigerians build businesses, study online, or work remotely for companies across borders, the need for a reliable, flexible financial system has become urgent. This move by Platnova sends a strong message to the industry and the public: that it is possible to build for the world.
“This is just the beginning,” Oyemolan adds. “We’re building tools that help Africans connect to global opportunities without barriers. Today it’s Apple Pay. Tomorrow it could be even bigger.”
Platnova’s Apple Pay integration is now live and available for all users on iOS. The entire sign-up process takes under five minutes, making international payments faster and more accessible than ever before
