AI Fintech Optasia Plans $375 Million IPO on Johannesburg Stock Exchange

Optasia, an AI-powered fintech company headquartered in Dubai, has announced plans to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) aiming to raise approximately $375 million through a combination of new share issuance and private placement by existing shareholders. The company, which operates in 38 countries and serves around 121 million active users monthly, specializes in providing instant micro-financing and airtime credit solutions primarily in emerging markets, partnering with major mobile network operators like MTN, Vodacom, and Airtel. Optasia's technology platform processes over 32 million loan transactions daily, analyzing extensive data points to offer financial services to underserved populations who lack traditional banking access. The funds raised will be used to accelerate growth, expand the business, and pursue acquisitions, while existing shareholders will sell shares without the company receiving proceeds from these sales. Financially, Optasia reported revenues of $117.2 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $53.8 million for the first half of 2025, signaling strong performance ahead of its public listing. The IPO is positioned as South Africa's largest tech public offering of the year and marks a significant milestone in Optasia's growth trajectory.