Meet Zhou Yahui, Chinese billionaire behind OPay’s planned NGX listing

Chinese billionaire Zhou Yahui is poised to bring OPay, a prominent Nigerian fintech company, to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) eight years after launching the digital payments business. OPay announced its plan to seek a secondary listing on the NGX following its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

The proposed Nigerian listing will depend on market conditions and regulatory compliance. Zhou, who also holds a leadership position at Opera Limited, is OPay's largest individual shareholder, owning around 21.3% of the company. OPay, established in 2018, has experienced significant growth, driven by increased transaction volumes, user expansion, and the launch of digital lending services.

Its financials have improved, with a net profit of $72.47 million in 2025, up from a loss of $50.98 million in 2024. The company's revenue grew by 161% to $536.25 million in 2025, and its transaction value surpassed $358 billion. OPay secured board and shareholder approval for its NGX listing on October 11, 2026, after its NYSE debut, providing Nigerian investors the chance to participate in the company's success.