Thousands of Nigerians living in Kenya face a common challenge: sending money home or conducting business transactions across borders.
Traditional banking systems and informal transfer methods have long struggled to meet the needs of a dynamic diaspora community and entrepreneurs seeking efficiency.
To remedy this situation, HIZO Technology Limited, a fintech disruptor led by Victor Chiedu, is seeking to find a lasting solution through their new innovation.
Attending the recently concluded 2025 Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi, HIZO Chief Executive Officer Victor Chiedu,showcased the HIZO’s ability, much to the delight of the congregation. https://hizo.africa/. “HIZO is transforming the cross-border payment landscape with tailored innovative solutions. Whether the transactions are personal fund transfers to friends and relatives, or simply for business, HIZO is here for you allowing instant transfers,” Mr. Chiedu noted.
High transaction fees (often exceeding 10%), slow processing times (up to several days), and unpredictable exchange rates erode the value of hard-earned money.
Small businesses, freelancers, and families alike face frustration, stifling economic growth and personal connections. Inadequate financial integration between Nigeria and Kenya, which by the way are two of Africa’s largest economies, has been a glaring gap in the continent’s push toward digital financial inclusion.
HIZO’s Tech-Driven SolutionUnder the strategic leadership of Victor Chiedu who is a seasoned tech entrepreneur with a passion for inclusive finance, HIZO Technology Limited has developed a platform that addresses these pain points head-on. Leveraging blockchain technology and mobile-first infrastructure, HIZO enables real-time, low-cost transfers between Kenya and Nigeria.
“We noticed that a lot of Nigerians are moving to Kenya; some for school, business and others to reside there. The challenge, however, we got from their loved ones in Nigeria and others in Kenya receiving payments from Nigeria, is the delay and high transactional costs,” he asserted on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Summit.
“Some of the Nigerians we have met in Nairobi have tested our platform and given us feedback. One of them asked us to ensure we set up a customer support line in Nairobi which we’re working on.” Chiedu’s vision extends beyond transactions. “Our goal is to build bridges, not just between currencies, but between communities,” he explains.
“We’re empowering Nigerians in Kenya to thrive economically while staying connected to their roots and vice versa.” In Nigeria where the platform has been in operation, its success has been amplified by strategic partnerships with local banks and mobile money providers ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.
According to the CEO, they are working to ensure they secure partnerships with various Kenyan banks as well. This synergy aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives, fostering intra-African trade and economic cohesion.
By dismantling financial barriers for Nigerians in Kenya, Victor Chiedu and his team are not only revolutionizing payments but also nurturing a more connected, prosperous Africa. As HIZO scales, its story serves as a testament to the power of technology driven by empathy and vision.
“At Hizo, we are on a mission to empower Nigerians traveling to African countries, by providing seamless currency exchange solutions. Our goal is to simplify spending across different regions, enhance financial freedom, and prioritize security and trust. With Hizo, we strive to deliver an exceptional user experience, fostering financial inclusion and creating a world where your Naira knows no boundaries. Join us on this transformative journey as we unlock a new era of financial empowerment. Experience the convenience and reliability of Hizo, where your spending power is maximized, and your transactions are secure. Travel with confidence, explore without limitations, and embrace the freedom Hizo brings to your adventures,”Adds
“Our vision at Hizo is to revolutionize financial transactions for Nigerians, fostering a world where seamless currency exchange is the norm. We envision a future where individuals and businesses can effortlessly utilize their Naira in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda, without the barriers of traditional exchange methods. With a relentless commitment to innovation, security, and user-centric design, we aim to be the leading platform that empowers Nigerians to embrace global opportunities and financial freedom. We envision a society where financial inclusion is a reality, where individuals can explore new horizons and businesses can thrive in the global economy. Together, let’s shape the future of spending, where Hizo is synonymous with convenience, trust, and limitless possibilities,”He concludes.
How does Hizo work?
Hizo is simple to use. Here’s how it works in steps:Download the app, Sign up for an account, Verify your account, Fund your wallet, Transfer funds by selecting destination country, channel, destination bank account, and amount.
How can I convert my naira to another African currency on the Hizo app?
You do not have to go through the hassle of converting your cash before transacting. Simply fund your Hizo account and select the destination country you wish to transfer funds to, transfer channel, bank account, and amount. Your chosen amount will be converted automatically to show the naira equivalent. Then you can click send.
How do I fund my Hizo account with Naira?
After signing up on the Hizo app, a virtual account will be assigned to you. You can fund that account by transferring cash directly from your Nigerian bank account into your Hizo virtual account.
Is my personal and financial information safe with Hizo?
Yes. Hizo uses end-to-end encryption, SSL certificates and two-factor authentication to keep your personal and financial data safe. Additionally, the app uses biometric authentication to ensure that only verified users can get access.
In recent years, people have encountered alot of challenges when transferring money from Nigeria to Kenya, major challenges include: high transaction fees, unfavorable exchange rates, slow transfer speeds, difficulty reaching rural areas, complex regulatory requirements, potential for hidden charges, lack of transparency in pricing, and concerns about security and fraud, often stemming from the reliance on informal channels for money transfers in both countries.
