PalmPay is a fast-growing fintech platform focused on digital payments, mobile banking, and financial inclusion in Africa and Asia. Launched in Nigeria in 2019, it quickly became popular due to its user-friendly app, cash-back offers like Opay, and a wide merchant network. With millions of users, many are now asking: Who is the real owner of PalmPay?
Palmpay Ownership Details
Ownership Details | Information |
---|---|
Parent Company / Investors | Transsion Holdings, NetEase, and Chinese venture capital firms |
Managing Director (Nigeria) | Chika Nwosu (since 2021) |
Founded | 2019 (launched in Nigeria) |
Primary Market | Nigeria; expanding into Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Bangladesh |
User Base | Around 35 million registered users, 1 million+ agents and merchants |
Main Services | Payments, airtime top-up, bank transfers, cashback, bill payments, and insurance |
Who is the Current Owner of PalmPay?
PalmPay is primarily owned by Chinese investors, most notably Transsion Holdings (the company behind Tecno, Infinix, and Itel mobile phones) and NetEase, along with other Chinese venture capital firms. These investors provided early-stage funding and remain the majority stakeholders of PalmPay.

Day-to-day operations—especially in Nigeria—are managed by Chika Nwosu, who has been the Managing Director (MD) of PalmPay since 2021. He oversees growth, strategy, and partnerships in the African market.
About the Owners
PalmPay started as a joint venture under Transsnet Group, combining the mobile hardware power of Transsion with the technical and financial support of NetEase. Their partnership gave PalmPay an instant edge—especially as the PalmPay app came pre-installed on Tecno and Infinix phones across Africa.

Chika Nwosu, the local Managing Director in Nigeria, has been instrumental in PalmPay’s success. With years of experience in the tech and telecom industry, he led PalmPay to achieve major milestones, awards, and user growth under his leadership.
Palmpay’s Ownership Timeline
- 2019 – PalmPay launched in Nigeria with a $40 million seed round.
- 2021 – Chika Nwosu became MD for Nigeria operations.
- 2023–2025 – PalmPay reached over 35 million users, expanded into other African countries, and partnered with major local brands.
- 2024–2025 – PalmPay won awards like Best Fintech Brand and Most Outstanding Fintech App in Africa.
Who Runs PalmPay Today?
- Major Ownership: Still held by Transsion Holdings and other Chinese investors.
- Leadership in Nigeria: Managed by Chika Nwosu, who is the face of PalmPay operations in Africa.
- Loan Services: PalmPay does not issue loans directly. Loans seen in the app are provided by partner financial institutions.
FAQs
Q: Who owns PalmPay?
A: PalmPay is majority-owned by Chinese investors, especially Transsion Holdings and NetEase.
Q: Who is the current Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria?
A: Chika Nwosu has been the MD of PalmPay Nigeria since 2021.
Q: When did PalmPay launch?
A: PalmPay officially launched in 2019 in Nigeria.
Q: Does PalmPay provide loans?
A: No. PalmPay only partners with licensed financial institutions that issue the loans. PalmPay itself does not act as a lender.
Q: In which countries is PalmPay available?
A: PalmPay currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
Final Thoughts
PalmPay is a modern fintech platform majorly owned by Chinese investors such as Transsion Holdings and NetEase, but its local operations are led by Chika Nwosu in Nigeria. The company has grown quickly by using smart partnerships, wide smartphone access, and strong local leadership. It continues to be one of Africa’s most talked-about financial apps today.
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