Union54 is a set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to issue USD debit cards without needing a bank or a third-party processor. Issue cards to customers, employees, stakeholders or just about anyone. From anywhere in Africa.

Union54 has 13 investors including Earl Grey Capital And Tiger Global Management and they claim to be Africa’s first card-issuing API. The startup is looking to provide a series of services, including ledger-based, acquirers/gateways, buy now, pay later, credit union, delivery companies, digital banking, credit card management, and corporate cards, to its clientele.

Mlambo and his wife and co-founder Alessandra Martini say that they’re hoping to “fill in the gaps” in these sectors, which are evident throughout Africa. The business partners have spent the last few years trying to be a challenger bank for Africa.

In an interview with CFTE (Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship) Perseus Mlambo talks about his journey as a technology entrepreneur and how the idea for Union54 came about. He talks about the challenges faced by African countries when it comes to banking and how he feels Union54 can provide solutions for such challenges.

Mlambo also talks about how often people feel ripped off when they bank with big institutions and how they wish to have better control of their finances. He says Union54 has 150 clients (corporates) within Africa and he anticipates more growth in their client base. Watch the interview below.

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