PayPal Holdings, Inc. has announced a $100 million investment to accelerate digital growth across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The funding aims to support entrepreneurs, scale businesses, and expand digital commerce, reinforcing PayPal’s long-term commitment to one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.
Strategic Focus of the $100 Million Commitment
The investment will be deployed through multiple channels, including:
- Minority investments and acquisitions
- PayPal Ventures funding for startups
- People and technology deployments to build stronger ecosystems
By doing so, PayPal intends to help local businesses scale faster, unlock new growth opportunities, and bring millions of consumers and communities into the digital economy.
Why the Middle East and Africa?
The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the most dynamic digital economies globally. With the rapid adoption of mobile payments, e-commerce platforms, and fintech solutions, the region represents an enormous growth opportunity.
PayPal President and CEO Alex Chriss explained:
“By dedicating a $100 million investment to this region over the coming years, we’re investing in the technologies, partnerships, and solutions that will help entrepreneurs scale faster, expand their reach beyond borders, and unlock new opportunities for growth in the digital economy.”
PayPal’s Regional Expansion in Dubai
This announcement builds on the April 2025 launch of PayPal’s first regional hub in Dubai, which serves as a gateway for businesses across the region. The Dubai hub provides:
- Frictionless global payments
- Robust security for merchants and consumers
- Access to international markets for small and large businesses
This strategic base strengthens PayPal’s ability to connect local businesses with global commerce opportunities.
Supporting Startups and Innovation
PayPal Ventures has already backed several high-potential startups in MEA, including:
- Tabby – a leading “buy now, pay later” platform
- Paymob – a payments infrastructure provider
- Stitch – a fintech innovator
The new $100 million commitment signals PayPal’s intent to expand this portfolio and nurture entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and digital adoption across the region.
A Long-Term Commitment to Growth
Otto Williams, Senior Vice President and General Manager for PayPal Middle East and Africa, emphasised the company’s mission:
“This commitment underscores our dedication to expanding PayPal’s presence in the Middle East and Africa. We’re focused on building stronger connections between local businesses and the global marketplace, ensuring millions of consumers and businesses can access more of the digital services they need to thrive.”
Conclusion
PayPal’s $100 million investment in the Middle East and Africa marks a major milestone in the company’s global strategy. By fueling innovation, supporting startups, and expanding digital infrastructure, PayPal is positioning itself as a key driver of inclusive economic growth across the region.
For entrepreneurs, startups, and consumers, this initiative represents a transformational opportunity to engage more deeply in the digital economy.
