# Azza

> Azza is a WhatsApp-native crypto wallet and on/off-ramp that lets Africans buy, sell and send stablecoins inside chat.

Source: https://www.neobank.wiki/wiki/azza
Last updated: 2026-08-12
Categories: Financial technology, Nigeria neobanks, Payment platforms, Consumer neobanks, Companies founded in 2024

**Azza** (legal entity **USEAZZA LTD**) is a Lagos-based fintech that embeds a crypto wallet and fiat on/off-ramp inside **WhatsApp**. Users buy, sell, swap and send stablecoins and other assets by chatting with an AI agent—no separate banking app required.[^az1] It was founded in 2024 by **Toochukwu Okoro** and **Joshua (Akachi) Avoaja** and opened more broadly in 2025.

## History

The founders argued that the next wave of African fintech users would not install new apps. WhatsApp is already the default communication layer, so Azza put KYC, balances and cash-out into chat. Coverage in 2026 highlighted USDT-to-USD conversions into Nigerian domiciliary accounts and a push to replace risky P2P OTC with an in-chat flow.[^az2]

## Founders

**Toochukwu Okoro** is co-founder and chief executive officer, active in Nigerian fintech and crypto policy circles.

**Joshua Avoaja** is co-founder and chief technology officer.

## Model

Azza is a messaging-native wallet, not a licensed deposit bank. It routes stablecoins (including Circle’s USDC and naira-linked cNGN) across multiple chains and pays out to local bank accounts and mobile money. Circle lists Azza in its alliance directory as a WhatsApp wallet for Africa.

## Products

In-WhatsApp buy/sell of crypto and stablecoins, phone-number sends (no wallet address required), multi-chain swaps and bridges, and instant cash-out to local currency. The product is often cited as proof that “living inside WhatsApp” can be a distribution strategy, not a gimmick.

## External links

- [Azza official website](https://www.useazza.com/)

## Infobox

- **Type**: Private
- **Founded**: 2024
- **Founders**: Toochukwu Okoro, Joshua Avoaja
- **Headquarters**: Lagos, Nigeria
- **Focus**: WhatsApp crypto wallet
- **Model**: Messaging-native on/off-ramp
- **X**: @useazza
- **Website**: [useazza.com](https://www.useazza.com/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Azza?

Azza is a WhatsApp-native crypto wallet and on/off-ramp that lets Africans buy, sell and send stablecoins inside chat.

### When was Azza founded?

Azza was founded in 2024.

### Where is Azza headquartered?

Azza is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.

### Who founded Azza?

Azza was founded by Toochukwu Okoro, Joshua Avoaja.

### What type of company is Azza?

Azza is described as Messaging-native on/off-ramp in its neobank.wiki profile.

### What is the official Azza website?

The official website for Azza is https://www.useazza.com/.


## References

[^az1]: Azza lets users buy, sell and cash out crypto through WhatsApp. — https://www.useazza.com/
[^az2]: TechCabal profiled Azza’s WhatsApp-native infrastructure thesis (April 2026). — https://techcabal.com/2026/04/13/azza/