Mercurie introduces naira payment for Google Cloud

Mercurie has launched a new service that enables Nigerian businesses to pay for Google Cloud services in naira, removing foreign exchange hurdles that have long restricted access to global technology tools.

The AdPay platform, developed by Mercurie, is designed to help businesses manage all their technology expenses from a single interface. It provides a seamless way for companies to consolidate their software payments while avoiding currency conversion complexities.

The CEO and founder of Mercurie, Ayode Akinfemiwa, discussed the company’s broader mission to simplify software payments for African businesses.

“Our goal has always been to make global technologies more accessible and useful to African businesses. By enabling naira payments for Google Cloud, we are removing one of the biggest barriers companies face—foreign exchange constraints,” Akinfemiwa said at a forum in Lagos over the weekend.

As a trusted Google Cloud partner, Mercurie will not only facilitate local currency transactions but also offer comprehensive consulting services, including cloud assessment, migration, security, and strategy development.

The launch of Google Cloud payments via AdPay marks an expansion of the platform, which previously focused on enabling businesses to pay for Google Ads in naira.

Since its inception in 2022, AdPay has onboarded over 2,000 businesses, helping them bypass FX conversion hurdles that often come with purchasing global technology services.

Akinfemiwa recalled the difficulties Nigerian businesses faced when paying for Google Ads in US dollars, especially as currency fluctuations worsened after 2017.

“At the time, the exchange rate was around N150 to the dollar; then suddenly it shot up to N200 and N250, and it became a full-blown crisis,” he said.

While working at Google, Akinfemiwa and his team advocated for local currency payment options, but initial access was granted only to a handful of large advertisers.

Recognising the broader demand for a seamless payment solution, he launched AdPay under Mercurie in 2022, allowing businesses of all sizes to pay for Google Ads directly in naira.

Now, with the expansion to Google Cloud and other software services, AdPay is evolving into a one-stop platform for technology payments, allowing businesses to manage all their subscriptions in one place.

“The goal is to remove payment barriers that prevent African businesses from fully participating in the digital economy,” Akinfemiwa explained. “AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping industries, but many African businesses remain locked out due to payment restrictions.”

As AI and cloud computing continue to redefine business operations, Mercurie aims to ensure that African enterprises can seamlessly adopt these technologies without the burden of sourcing foreign currency.

“The world is changing fast, and we need to equip businesses here with the tools to stay competitive. This is not just about payments; it’s about digital transformation,” Akinfemiwa added.

Mercurie’s latest service is expected to benefit startups, enterprises, and government institutions looking to leverage Google Cloud’s infrastructure while avoiding the challenges of foreign currency transactions.