Dubai-based fintech company Optasia has announced plans to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), aiming to raise up to 6.3 billion rand (approximately $375 million) through a combination of new and existing shares.
The offering includes an initial public offering (IPO) of approximately 1.3 billion rand ($75 million) and a private placement of at least 5 billion rand ($291 million) for existing shareholders. Optasia intends to use the proceeds to fund organic growth, potential acquisitions, and strengthen its balance sheet.
Founded in 2012, Optasia provides AI-powered micro-financing and mobile airtime credit services to individuals without traditional bank accounts, primarily in emerging markets. Operating in 38 countries, the company reports 121 million monthly active users and processes over 32 million loan transactions daily.
The listing on the JSE is expected to enhance Optasia’s visibility and access to institutional capital in Africa’s most developed exchange, supporting its mission to expand financial inclusion across emerging markets.
Optasia’s strategic move to list in South Africa underscores its commitment to leveraging AI technology to provide accessible financial services to underserved populations, contributing to the broader goal of financial inclusion in the region.
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