Flutterwave, Africa’s leading fintech company, has been making headlines with its ambitious plan to go public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or a dual listing in New York and Nigeria. The company, which raised $170 million in 2021, is valued at over $1 billion and has processed over 550 million transactions worth over $32 billion in 150 currencies across 34 African countries. Flutterwave’s IPO would be a milestone for the continent’s tech ecosystem and a potential windfall for its founder and CEO, Olugbenga Agboola, who could become the youngest African dollar billionaire.
However, Flutterwave’s IPO dream faces many challenges and uncertainties, as evidenced by the disappointing performance of other African tech companies that have listed on the global stock exchanges. Companies such as IHS, CAB, Jumia, and Tingo have seen their share prices plummet by more than 75 per cent since their debut, due to various factors such as currency volatility, regulatory hurdles, governance issues, and market conditions. Some analysts have questioned whether Flutterwave can avoid the same fate and deliver on its promise of transforming the digital payments landscape in Africa and beyond.
One of the main issues that Flutterwave will have to address is its corporate governance, which has been marred by several allegations and controversies in the past. The company has faced investigations by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Kenyan Asset Recovery Agency over alleged misconduct and fraud. The company has also seen the departure of its chief financial officer (CFO), Oneal Bhambani, in November 2023, raising doubts about its preparedness for an IPO. Flutterwave has denied any wrongdoing and said that Bhambani left to pursue new opportunities.
Corporate governance is crucial for any company that wants to go public, as it affects the trust and confidence of investors, regulators, and customers. Flutterwave will have to demonstrate that it has a strong and transparent governance structure, with clear policies and procedures, accountability and oversight mechanisms, and ethical and legal compliance. The company will also have to disclose its financial statements, business model, risk factors, and growth prospects, which will be scrutinised by the public and the media.
Flutterwave will also have to contend with the competition and innovation in the fintech sector, which is constantly evolving and disrupting the status quo. The company will have to maintain its edge and differentiation in a crowded and dynamic market, where new players and technologies are emerging every day. Flutterwave will have to invest in research and development, infrastructure, and expansion, to keep up with the changing customer needs and preferences, and to tap into new opportunities and markets.
Flutterwave’s IPO, if successful, will be a historic achievement for the company and the continent, and a source of inspiration for many aspiring African entrepreneurs. It will also be a test of the company’s resilience and vision, and a chance to prove its worth and potential to the world. Flutterwave has a lot at stake, but also a lot to gain, from its IPO journey.
Source: BusinessDay
