Kora Connects Aviation and Finance: New Partnership Streamlines Airline Payments Across Africa

In a move poised to transform how airlines process payments on the continent, Kora, a leading payment infrastructure platform, has joined the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Financial Gateway (IFG). This integration provides global airlines with access to Africa’s diverse payment ecosystem through a single, reliable connection.

The partnership addresses a critical challenge for international carriers: navigating fragmented local payment rails, currency complexities, and disconnected settlement systems across key markets like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa. Through IFG, airlines can now accept payments via cards, bank transfers, mobile money, and other popular African methods without managing multiple integrations.

“Africa is not a market to figure out later—it’s a growth opportunity that demands serious infrastructure today,” said Dickson Nsofor, CEO of Kora. “Our partnership with IATA signals that the rails are ready. Global airlines no longer have to choose between expanding into Africa and managing payment complexity.”

With over 370 member airlines worldwide, IATA’s reach extends across nearly all major carriers globally. This integration provides those airlines with direct access to Kora’s comprehensive African payment infrastructure.

“Kora’s participation strengthens our ability to serve airlines operating in or expanding across African markets,” added Kamil Al-Awadhi, Regional Vice President at IATA. “We’re committed to providing the flexibility and efficiency they need to thrive in this dynamic region.”

The move comes as Africa emerges as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, projected to add over 300 million new passengers by 2050.