Riding Morocco’s Fintech Wave, AfricInvest Moves to Acquire Vantage Payment Systems
A new heavy hitter is entering the Moroccan fintech landscape, in what feels like the next chapter after Casablanca-based fintech Cash Plus went on a highly successful IPO last year. AfricInvest, through its Financial Inclusion Vehicle (FIVE), recently filed for regulatory approval to acquire joint control of Vantage Payment Systems (VPS), according to a notice from the Moroccan Competition Council.
The deal, if approved, will see AfricInvest share control of the company with its historical shareholder, Equity Invest SA. This transaction marks a significant transition for VPS, which had previously sold a 50% stake to the pan-African fintech Cross Switch in 2023.
A Maturing Market Player
Founded in 2014 by Ali Bettahi, VPS has evolved from a local startup into one of Morocco’s primary licensed payment institutions. Operating under the brands Payzone and Payexpress, the company provides omnichannel payment solutions, including e-commerce gateways and prepaid card management.
