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LemFi Launches Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered “Send Now, Pay Later” Service, Combining Credit and Remittances for United Kingdom (UK) Immigrants

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LemFi

Since traditional remittance providers typically require immediate payment, Send Now, Pay Later aims to address this critical pain point and provide vital service to customers who are new to the country and have a limited UK credit history

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 9, 2025/APO Group/ —

  • International payments platform LemFi allows over 2 million immigrants to easily send money across the globe
  • LemFi uses AI within its robust credit service to enable ‘send now, pay later’ remittance, so people can ensure their families are supported when they need it most
  • New product will help streamline nearly £10 billion worth of payments

LemFi (https://LemFi.com), the leading AI-powered international payments platform dedicated to building financial products and services for immigrant communities, today announced the launch of Send Now, Pay Later (SNPL), a credit-powered remittance product that allows its UK customers to use their LemFi credit line to send money home to their families when they need it most.

For the millions of immigrants in the UK who send nearly £10 billion back home annually (https://apo-opa.co/4ohJsCl), there is often a timing mismatch between unexpected expenses and local earning cycles. This can force them to delay pivotal transfers home or turn to unregulated, expensive credit solutions. Since traditional remittance providers typically require immediate payment, Send Now, Pay Later aims to address this critical pain point and provide vital service to customers who are new to the country and have a limited UK credit history.

Powering SNPL is LemFi’s Ensemble AI model, which combines multiple data sources to inform credit decisions, including national credit bureaus, open banking data, and the company’s own remittance data, to help determine credit limits and repayment structures. This intelligent system also automatically adjusts depending on the individual customer’s journey and available data points, determining the required data points based on the customer’s circumstances and then offering risk-adjusted credit based on the available data.

Ridwan Olalere, co-founder and CEO of LemFi, said: “The rise of Buy Now, Pay Later means people across the world can buy products and stagger the payments depending on their cash flow. But this has never been possible before with remittance, despite it being such a core part of the immigrant financial experience. With Send Now, Pay Later, we’re integrating credit directly into the remittance experience, ensuring financial support is never delayed by cash flow timing. It’s also a testament to our commitment to building a full-stack, AI-enabled financial ecosystem that understands and serves the unique challenges faced by global citizens.”

How Send Now, Pay Later Works

With Send Now, Pay Later, we’re integrating credit directly into the remittance experience, ensuring financial support is never delayed by cash flow timing

To access SNPL, LemFi customers are onboarded to LemFi Credit, which gives users access to credit lines ranging from £300 to £1,000, depending on their credit profile and assessment, which is enabled by leveraging open banking technology to evaluate eligibility. This makes it accessible even to recent immigrants who often lack extensive UK credit histories and are excluded from traditional finance services. In addition, LemFi’s platform can recognise international credit histories and employs alternative credit assessment methods that look beyond traditional UK financial records. This allows users to start with smaller credit limits and build their UK credit profile over time while accessing essential financial services.

This is done through the company’s AI-driven decisioning engine that analyses a wide spectrum of data points, including open banking insights, bureau files, remittance history and patterns within LemFi, as well as international credit footprints. By training models across these diverse datasets, LemFi can predict affordability and repayment likelihood with greater accuracy than traditional scoring approaches while reducing bias that often excludes immigrants from mainstream credit, helping to solve the issue of “credit invisibility” through the application of artificial intelligence.

Once onboarded, customers can access their credit limit to send money to any of the 30+ LemFi-supported destination countries. When choosing the SNPL option, LemFi immediately processes the transfer to the recipient while creating a deferred payment obligation for the sender.

Bridging the Credit Divide

Currently, immigrants face significant and widespread issues when it comes to trying to access credit and banking services more broadly. Approximately five million individuals in the UK are considered “credit invisible”, with immigrants from emerging countries disproportionately affected. Research indicates (https://apo-opa.co/3VT1bUt) that nine in 10 immigrants report that accessing credit has become more difficult in recent years, while 13% of migrants are excluded from banking services compared to just 3% of the general UK population. This exclusion creates a cascade of financial challenges that extend beyond simple access to credit.

LemFi’s approach to credit assessment specifically addresses these challenges. As well, SNPL will tackle friction points around timing and bank transfers. Its real-time / same-day transfers reduce the time taken by traditional banks by a third and provide a means for its users to support their community despite their cash flow.

Global Expansion and Market Opportunities

Following the UK launch, LemFi plans to expand the SNPL service to its other markets in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It currently supports over 2 million customers, enabling them to send money to over 30 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

Since its founding, LemFi has supported over 2 million customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. In January 2025, LemFi secured $53 million in Series B funding, bringing its total funding to over $86M. Investors include Highland Europe, LeftLane Capital, Endeavor Capital, and Y-Combinator.

For more information, visit https://LemFi.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LemFi.

Energy

African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) Chief Urges Joint National Oil Companies (NOCs) Projects at 8th Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Forum During African Energy Week (AEW)

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African Energy Week

African Energy Week is currently hosting the 8th Annual APPO NOCs CEOs Forum at the CTICC in Cape Town

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 13, 2026/APO Group/ –H.E. Farid Ghezali, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) has issued a direct call to African National Oil Companies (NOCs) to move beyond high-level dialogue and focus on strategic cooperation for fast tracked delivery of upstream projects and local value creation.

 




 
 

Speaking at the 8th annual meeting of the CEOs of APPO NOCs at African Energy Week (AEW) on Monday, Ghezali emphasized that NOCs are no longer just oil companies, but vital platforms for national energy security and economic sovereignty.

Africa does not need an architecture of good intentions, but an architecture of delivery

“We have moved to how much value Africa can create from the energy it produces,” he stated, highlighting that NOCs must play a decisive role in reversing this imbalance. “To build a competitive sector, African NOCs must strengthen internal partnerships across critical areas, including refining technology, gas infrastructure, petrochemicals, and project financing.”

He urged African NOCs to combine domestic capacities, assets, and off-take agreements to de-risk projects and build a robust pipeline of bankable energy initiatives. The Secretary General highlighted the African Energy Bank as a crucial mechanism to ensure NOCs can finance strategic projects which they cooperate own to enhance regional energy sovereignty.

To ensure long-term impact, the Secretary General challenged delegates to focus on practical outcomes, asking: Which projects can our NOCs develop together? Where can we create integrated value chains? Which projects are we prepared to execute right now?

“Africa does not need an architecture of good intentions, but an architecture of delivery,” the Secretary General concluded, stressing that the true success of industry forums will be measured not by the conversations held, but by the tangible investments, implemented projects, and economic opportunities delivered to African citizens.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

 

 




 

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Kholo Capital provides R275 million (US$17 million) mezzanine debt funding to DCC Holdings to support refinancing and future growth

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The funding will refinance existing debt and support DCC’s long-term growth strategy

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 13, 2026/APO Group/ –Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I (“Kholo Capital”) (www.KholoCapital.com) today announced the provision of R275 million (US$17 million) in mezzanine debt funding to DCC Holdings Proprietary Limited (“DCC”), a leading South African information and communications technology (“ICT”) distributor with an established presence across Southern Africa. The funding will refinance existing debt and support DCC’s long-term growth strategy.

 




 
 

DCC is a leading South African distributor of ICT products and solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products across personal computing, printing, enterprise infrastructure and software. The business distributes products from leading global technology manufacturers, including HP, Dell and Lenovo, to an extensive network of resellers, system integrators and retailers across Southern Africa.

Founded in 1988, DCC has grown into an established participant in the Southern African ICT distribution market, with a distribution network and logistics infrastructure serving customers across the region. The business plays an important role in the ICT supply chain, connecting international technology manufacturers with local resellers and retailers.

Mokgome Mogoba, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, commented:  “We are delighted to support DCC’s highly experienced management team as the business enters its next phase of growth. The business is backed by Kleoss Capital, a highly competent private equity investor. This transaction demonstrates how structured mezzanine debt capital can be used to optimise a company’s capital structure, refinance existing debt and provide the financial flexibility required to support sustainable growth. DCC has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading ICT distributors, with a strong market position underpinned by longstanding relationships with leading global technology manufacturers, an extensive reseller network and well-established logistics and distribution capabilities.”

We are delighted to support DCC’s highly experienced management team as the business enters its next phase of growth

Zaheer Cassim, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, added: “Over nearly four decades, DCC has built a formidable distribution platform, combining extensive market reach, strong logistics capabilities and a deep understanding of its channel partners’ needs. Beyond its commercial strengths, DCC’s investment in youth employment, support for learners with disabilities and SME reseller development reflects a commitment to inclusive growth. Its adoption of solar energy and water-saving measures further demonstrates a practical approach to responsible business. We believe DCC is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities across the Southern African ICT market, and we are pleased to partner with management in advancing growth that delivers both commercial value and meaningful social impact.”

Hale Matsipa, Managing Partner of Kleoss, said: “Kleoss Capital has valued the opportunity to work with Kholo Capital on this transaction, which positions DCC for its next phase of growth. It also reflects the positive momentum in South Africa’s private markets and marks another successful collaboration between Kleoss Capital and a fellow private markets investor. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Kholo Capital team.”

Carlos Ferreira, CEO of DCC, added: “DCC’s shareholders, comprising senior management and Kleoss Capital, are pleased to introduce Kholo Capital into the capital structure of the DCC group. DCC has been growing steadily over the years with the addition of certain key brands and the expansion of our existing footprint within our established vendor relationships. Together with our capital partners, we look forward to the next chapter in the evolution of the business with continued optimism.”

Deneys acted as legal counsel to Kholo Capital.

Webber Wentzel acted as legal counsel to DCC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kholo Capital.

 

 




 

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Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund (VCHF) publishes inaugural Annual Impact Report: investees estimated to have created over 316,000 jobs

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Verdant Capital

The findings provide an important baseline for tracking impact over time, combining investee-level data with insights from end customers on how access to finance is influencing their businesses and households

We are committed to using the data and insights from these studies to strengthen our approach and deepen our impact measurement

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com) believes that the true measure of investment goes beyond capital deployed and financial returns. It is also reflected in the businesses that grow, the jobs they create and the lives they help transform.

In 2025, the Fund took an important step towards strengthening its impact measurement approach by commissioning 60 Decibels (https://apo-opa.co/4dAqYdi) to build an industry-standard impact management framework and conduct independent impact measurement across its investment portfolio. Job creation is Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund’s primary impact objective, and the studies were designed to strengthen the Fund’s understanding of how its investments contribute to employment and broader economic opportunities.

 




 
 

As part of this process, VCHF developed an impact thesis for each investee, and commissioned baseline studies to understand who its investees reach, how their services influence the lives of their customers and, most importantly, their contribution to job creation.

The findings provide an important baseline for tracking impact over time, combining investee-level data with insights from end customers on how access to finance is influencing their businesses and households.

“Our conviction has always been that the right capital, combined with hands-on technical support, can help African financial service providers reach underserved businesses, create jobs and improve livelihoods.” said Edmund Higgenbottam, Chief Executive Officer of Verdant Capital. “Our first impact studies provide encouraging evidence of this, but this is only the beginning. We are committed to using the data and insights from these studies to strengthen our approach and deepen our impact measurement”.

Key Impact Highlights as of 31 December 2025

  •  USD 39.5 million deployed across six investments.
  • 179,000+ MSMEs reached.
  • 316,000+ jobs created across the portfolio, with an additional 1,066,000+ jobs supported.
  • 24 Technical Assistance projects delivered for investees, supported by KfW on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
  • Six investees operating across 12 African countries, mainly low income and lower-middle income countries.

VCHF has made six investments in inclusive financial institutions to date: WATU, Mogo, LOLC Africa, Zeepay, UsPlus and Bfree. Through these investments, the Fund helps expand access to financial solutions that enable individuals and small businesses to grow their enterprises, strengthen their incomes and contribute to employment generation. The highlights above are drawn from independent 60 Decibels studies with over 850 customers across four investees.

Looking ahead, VCHF has USD 51 million in AUM and plans to grow its portfolio through additional investments and expansion into new markets over the coming years. The Fund is also seeking to mobilise additional capital from investors who share its commitment to delivering commercial returns alongside measurable impact.

Beyond the numbers are the stories of individuals accessing financial services, entrepreneurs expanding their businesses, households strengthening their livelihoods and businesses contributing to more resilient value chains.

This report marks an important milestone in VCHF’s impact journey. It strengthens the Fund’s understanding of the outcomes associated with its investments and reinforces its commitment to measuring not only the scale of its reach, but also the changes experienced by the people and businesses behind the numbers.

Verdant Capital extends its sincere appreciation to its partner, KfW Development Bank, for its continued support, and to its investees for their commitment and collaboration throughout this process.

Verdant Capital also extends its appreciation to 60 Decibels for its valuable partnership as the impact measurement advisor, as well as to the entire Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund team for its dedication and contribution to this important milestone.

Together with its partners, VCHF continues to demonstrate that commercial returns and meaningful impact can go hand in hand.

Read the full report here: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/4B26qV8)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.

 

 




 

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