As Africa’s digital economy keeps accelerating, more businesses are expanding into the continent’s most promising markets, and for good reason. With fast-growing populations, rising smartphone use, and booming fintech ecosystems, Africa is quickly becoming the next big frontier for both local and global businesses.
Expanding internationally can unlock huge growth opportunities, new customers, untapped markets, and greater revenue. But the big question is: where should you begin? Whether it's homely Naija or Kenya’s Silicon Savannah, we’ve rounded up five African countries you should be looking at, and how Maplerad helps you move money and get paid like a local.
Kenya: The Silicon Savannah
GDP: $116 billion
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Why Kenya?
East Africa’s innovation capital. Kenya is home to thriving startups, mobile money success stories like M-Pesa, and a digitally-savvy population. The country ranks high in ease of doing business, and boasts macroeconomic stability, good infrastructure, and one of the continent’s most developed banking sectors.
Top sectors: Fintech, agri-tech, logistics, mobile commerce, clean energy.
Opportunities: A strong mobile-first economy, a skilled labor force, and urban youth driving digital adoption.
Ghana: West Africa’s Rising Star
GDP: $77 billion
Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
Why Ghana?
A stable democracy, growing middle class, and a vibrant startup ecosystem make Ghana a top investment destination. It's the second-largest GDP in West Africa and a gateway to francophone markets.
Top sectors: Fintech, e-commerce, healthtech, agribusiness, education.
Opportunities: Supportive regulation, political stability, cross-border growth potential, and a digital-savvy population.
Côte d’Ivoire: Francophone Powerhouse
GDP: $87 billion
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Why Côte d’Ivoire?
The economic engine of Francophone West Africa. With major investments in infrastructure, cocoa, and telecoms, and a growing population, it's a prime base for regional expansion into UEMOA markets.
Top sectors: Agriculture (world’s largest cocoa producer), telecoms, fintech, manufacturing.
Opportunities: Diversified economy, strong business infrastructure, and regional access.
Nigeria: Africa’s Largest Economy
GDP: $489 billion
Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Why Nigeria?
Over 200 million people, a booming youth population, and massive digital adoption make Nigeria the heart of African scale. From fintech to entertainment, the opportunities are endless. Nigeria is projected to be one of the world's strongest economies by 2050.
Top sectors: Fintech, entertainment, e-commerce, logistics, edtech.
Opportunities: A huge consumer base, strong diaspora ties, and increasing demand for cross-border services.
Cameroon: Central Africa’s Connector
GDP: $53 billion
Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Why Cameroon?
Bilingual (French & English), strategically located between West and Central Africa, and rich in resources. Cameroon is attracting growing investments in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.
Top sectors: Agribusiness, logistics, telecoms, fintech, energy.
Opportunities: A young population, improving infrastructure, and regional trade links.
Take Your Business Global with Maplerad!🌍
Expanding into these countries? Maplerad makes it easy to operate, send, and get paid like a local.
✅ Collect payments in local currencies like NGN, GHS, KES, XAF, XOF, and USD
✅ Send payouts to local bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cards in 25+ countries
✅ Hold and manage multi-currency wallets
✅ Access 8+ local account numbers to get paid faster
✅ Exchange currencies at the best rates with transparent fees
✅ Issue business expense cards for your team
✅ Manage users and roles with multi-user access and permission control
✅ Scale faster without local licenses or infrastructure headaches
One Account. One partner. Everything you need to Grow across Africa and beyond.
Start now at www.maplerad.com