Google Play users can now pay for their favourite apps and digital services using Airtel Money, a move that marks a deeper push into localized fintech solutions for global platforms.
Behind this upgrade is dLocal, a cross-border payments firm that specializes in bridging the gap between global tech giants and consumers in emerging markets. With this new integration, dLocal is giving millions of Kenyans easier access to the Google Play store—no debit card, no hassle, just a mobile wallet and a few taps.
It’s not just about convenience; it’s about digital inclusion.
“Giving Kenyan users the ability to use Airtel Money for Google Play purchases is a significant milestone,” says John O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer at dLocal. “It aligns with our broader mission of enabling seamless payments in hard-to-reach but high-growth markets.”
Why It Matters
In a country where mobile money reigns supreme, integrating a major global app store with local payment infrastructure is more than a technical tweak—it’s a strategic move.
Airtel Money, now the second-largest mobile wallet provider in Kenya, has been quietly expanding its reach. Recent data from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) shows a jump in its market share—from 7.6% to 8.9% in Q4 2024. That translates to roughly 3.76 million active users out of Kenya’s 42+ million mobile money subscribers.
This makes Airtel a key player in a mobile-first economy—and a natural partner for Google as it ramps up its presence across Africa.
A Win for Users, A Win for Ecosystems
For the average Kenyan user, this means fewer barriers to accessing global digital services. Whether it’s buying a productivity app, subscribing to music, or upgrading a mobile game, users can now do so using a payment method that fits their daily habits.
The integration also benefits developers, who can now monetize their apps more easily in a country where traditional banking infrastructure still doesn’t reach everyone.
Fintech That Thinks Locally
dLocal’s strength lies in its “One dLocal” approach: one API, one contract, one platform. That simplicity hides a powerful engine underneath—allowing global merchants to operate in markets like Kenya without the headaches of building separate payment infrastructure in each country.
With operations spanning Latin America, Asia, and Africa, dLocal is carving out a niche as the go-to payments partner for companies trying to reach the “next billion users.”
“This isn’t just about payments—it’s about empowerment,” adds O’Brien. “Together with partners like Google and Airtel, we’re unlocking access to the global digital economy.”
As the digital future takes shape in Africa, partnerships like these offer a preview of how tech companies can win—by meeting people where they are, and speaking the language of local payments.
