What Ezra does

Ezra is a B2B2C digital lending platform that embeds credit products into partner platforms in emerging markets, primarily across Africa and Asia. Founded in 2011 as part of Singapore-headquartered TransferTo and rebranded to the Ezra identity in 2023, the company is legally domiciled as LendTech Investment Holdings Private Limited, with operating subsidiaries in the UAE (LendTech Middle East FZE) and Kenya (LendTech Services Ltd). Ezra serves banks, mobile network operators, digital wallet providers, and fintechs through a plug-and-play API integration model, enabling partners to launch credit products in as little as 12 weeks without building proprietary credit infrastructure.

The product suite spans the full embedded-credit spectrum: Cash Loans, Overdraft, Line of Credit, Buy Now Pay Later, Airtime Lending, Merchant and Agent Loans, Instalment Loans (1-6 month terms), and Token Advance Loans for utility credit. The underlying platform combines proprietary credit-scoring algorithms with machine learning models trained on alternative data sources, including mobile usage patterns, utility bill payments, transaction history, and behavioural signals, enabling credit decisions for underbanked customers with no traditional credit history. Disclosed performance metrics include <3% bad debt rate, 97% repayment within 90 days, 60%+ eligibility rate among partners' end consumers, and 99.995% platform uptime.

Commercially, Ezra generates revenue through transaction fees, risk-sharing arrangements, and interest income on credit products extended through partner platforms. Reported scale metrics include 40 million+ monthly active users, 120 million+ customers scored monthly, 2 billion+ loans processed annually, and $1.6 billion+ in cumulative loan value across 24+ countries. The company received a private equity investment from Apis Growth Fund II in August 2023 to fund geographic expansion and SME-segment entry. Named enterprise partners include Orange Money, Ecobank Group, Airtel Kenya, Access Bank, and Touch 'n Go.

Name

Ezra

Legal name

LendTech Investment Holdings Private Limited

Website

https://ezra.world

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Ezra is a B2B2C digital lending platform that embeds credit products (cash loans, BNPL, airtime lending, instalment loans) via API into banks, mobile network operators, fintechs, and digital wallet providers serving unbanked customers across 24+ emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Embedded Digital Lending Infrastructure

NAICS

Credit Bureaus (56145), Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (522), Consumer Lending (522291), Other Nondepository Credit Intermediation (52229)

SIC

Services-Consumer Credit Reporting, Collection Agencies (7320), Personal Credit Institutions (6141), Loan Brokers (6163)

akta.pro primary industry

Alternative Data & Credit Scoring (Cashflow, Telco, Utility, Open Banking) (FSAGAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Embedded Lending & Credit (POS, Working Capital, Credit Lines) (FSAGALAD), BNPL Underwriting & Credit Decisioning Platforms (FSAGAIAD), Consumer Credit Decisioning & Underwriting Platforms (FSAKAKAG)

Keywords

• Embedded lending platform
• Alternative credit scoring
• Mobile microcredit solutions
• B2B2C digital lending
• Financial inclusion infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Transaction/Fee-based Revenue: Ezra generates revenue through transaction fees on micro-loans processed through partner platforms. The company operates on flexible business models including risk-sharing, commission-based, or custom arrangements with partners.
2. Interest Income on Loans: Revenue generated from interest charged on nano loans, airtime credit, and other credit products extended to end consumers through partner platforms.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Ezra provides an API-first, B2B2C embedded lending platform that enables banks, mobile network operators, digital wallets and fintechs to offer credit products (nano loans, cash loans, overdrafts, BNPL, airtime lending, instalment loans, merchant and agent loans) to underserved and unbanked consumers in emerging markets. Its proprietary credit scoring engine uses machine learning and alternative data (mobile usage, utility payments, transaction history, social engagement) to assess risk for consumers without traditional credit history, allowing partners to launch credit products in as little as 12 weeks.

Product overview

Ezra is a B2B2C digital lending platform that provides a comprehensive suite of embedded credit solutions for financial inclusion in underserved markets. The platform operates as a unified offering with multiple credit products delivered through a single API integration: Cash Loans (short-term nano loans), Overdraft (emergency funds access), Line of Credit (flexible credit facility), Buy Now Pay Later (instalment payments), Airtime Lending/ACS (telecom credit), Merchant & Agent Loans (SME working capital), Instalment Loans (1-6 month term loans), and Token Advance Loans (utility credit). Ezra's proprietary credit scoring engine leverages alternative data and machine learning to assess creditworthiness for customers without traditional credit history, enabling partners including banks, mobile network operators, digital wallets, fintechs, and utility companies to offer responsible lending products to their customers through a single integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cash Loans Short-term lending solution providing quick access to funds for individuals and small businesses, with flexible repayment options aligned to customer income cycles. Designed for partners to embed directly in their digital channels.
• Overdraft Emergency access to funds solution that increases customer retention by providing immediate liquidity, positioning partners as reliable financial providers when users face shortfalls.
• Line of Credit Flexible revolving credit facility similar to a credit card, allowing customers to access funds as needed without spending the full credit limit, providing long-term value for partners.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Flexible payment solution enabling customers to spread purchases over time, building trust and long-term satisfaction while supporting customer spending and partner business growth.
• Airtime Lending Instant small-scale loans for mobile airtime or data that improves customer retention and increases average revenue per user (ARPU) for mobile network operators, with automated repayment from subsequent top-ups.
• Merchant & Agent Loans Working capital loans for small businesses and agents that strengthen partner networks, drive growth across supply chains, and build lasting relationships for distributors and merchants.
• Instalment Loans Larger loans with fixed monthly payments spanning 1-6 months for devices, school fees, home appliances or working capital, offering customers predictable repayment plans with repayments deducted from wallet inflows.
• Token Advance Loans Pre-payment or top-up solution for utility meters that lets customers access essential utility services even when they have no balance, keeping households powered and SMEs operational.
• Airtime Credit Services (ACS) Mobile airtime credit service allowing customers to borrow airtime when they run out of prepaid credit, with automatic repayment deducted from subsequent top-ups to keep customers connected.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60%+ of partners' end consumers are eligible for loans through Ezra's credit scoring
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and major.

• Orange Bank Côte d'IvoirecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Orange Money and Orange Bank Côte d'Ivoire partnered with Ezra to revolutionize mobile microcredit access, expanding the successful nano-loan model to another African market.
• aYo IntermediariessecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 August 2025Ezra and aYo Intermediaries partnered to expand financial access across Africa, leveraging combined expertise in micro-lending and insurance intermediary services.
• Ecobank GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2024TransferTo (parent company of Ezra) and Ecobank Group announced a landmark MOU to transform financial access and cross-border payment solutions across Africa. Ezra's role is expanding access to nano loans and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, empowering underbanked individuals to build credit histories and progress to larger loan opportunities.
• Orange MoneycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrange Money partnered with Ezra and Access Bank Botswana to launch N'stakolle, Botswana's first nano-loan product directly embedded into the Orange Money wallet. The product leverages Ezra's AI-powered credit scoring and alternative data to assess customer risk using mobile usage patterns and transaction history, providing instant micro-loans to previously underserved customers.
• Access Bank BotswanacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccess Bank Botswana partnered with Orange Money and Ezra to launch the N'stakolle nano-loan product, facilitating the provision of responsible, reliable, and rapid loans in Botswana's mobile money ecosystem.
• Airtel KenyacoreTechnology or IntegrationEzra provides airtime credit service to customers of Airtel Kenya. Airtel confirms that Ezra discharges their obligations well and recommends them as a service provider for airtime credit service.
• Touch 'n GosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationTouch 'n Go partnered with Ezra for digital lending solutions integrated into their mobile wallet platform.
• Access BankcoreTechnology or IntegrationAccess Bank has been working with Ezra for five years. The mobile-based Nano Loan is the first of its kind in Mozambique, with four million transactions successfully processed in the past year alone.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• JUMO: JUMO provides AI-driven credit scoring and embedded lending infrastructure to mobile network operators and banks across Africa and Asia. Ezra's CRO previously led JUMO's credit risk function; business models (B2B2C, alternative data, partner-funded loans) are closely aligned.
• Tala: Tala is a leading alternative-data digital lender serving thin-file consumers in emerging markets (Mexico, India, Kenya, Philippines). Directly comparable to Ezra on business model (mobile-data credit scoring), product suite (nano/installment loans), and target borrower.
• Carbon (formerly Paylater): Carbon provides digital consumer and SME loans across Nigeria, Kenya, and other African markets using alternative credit scoring. Comparable product portfolio (nano loans, BNPL, SME lending) and emerging-market focus aligned with Ezra.
• Branch International: Branch offers digital loans, payments, and savings to underbanked customers across Africa, India, and Latin America using alternative-data underwriting. Highly comparable to Ezra on product breadth, geographic mix, and B2B2C distribution through mobile platforms.
• FairMoney: FairMoney is a Nigeria-headquartered digital lender offering nano, personal, and SME loans via mobile apps and banking partners across Africa and India. Comparable to Ezra on emerging-market focus, alternative-data underwriting, and product breadth including merchant lending.

Others

• Tookitaki: Tookitaki is an AML/compliance technology company within the same TransferTo group as Ezra. Not a competitor but a related technology provider serving financial institutions in emerging markets — potentially synergistic data and compliance infrastructure for Ezra.

Emerging players

• Lulalend: Lulalend is a South African digital SME lender using alternative data and ML underwriting to serve underserved SMBs. Comparable to Ezra's planned SME lending expansion using similar AI-driven scoring on thin-file borrowers.
• TymeBank: TymeBank is a South African digital bank serving mass-market customers with embedded credit offerings built on alternative data. Comparable emerging-market digital banking customer base with growing embedded lending capabilities — partial overlap with Ezra's bank-segment partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• M-KOPA: M-KOPA is a major African pay-as-you-go solar and asset financing platform that underwrites thin-file borrowers using mobile and payment data. Comparable on alternative-data underwriting in Africa, but operates a vertically integrated asset-financing model rather than Ezra's pure B2B2C platform approach.

Regional players

• Onafriq (formerly MFS Africa): Onafriq is a Pan-African payments network connecting mobile wallets, banks, and MNO platforms across 35+ countries. Sibling company within the TransferTo/DT One group ecosystem and overlapping partner base with Ezra, though focused on payments rather than credit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ezraworld
• Xx.com/_ezraworld

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ezra