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omarlahmidi

Inside SnapScan, SA's app of the year - TechCentral - 2 views

techcentral.co.za/...43230

Africa SnapScan E-Payments

shared by omarlahmidi on 11 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • The company makes its money by charging a small transaction fee to the retailer on each purchase. This fee varies. “We take a small transaction fee, much like the acquiring component to merchant transactions,” Ehlers says. SnapScan has a partnership with Standard Bank, which means it can process transactions at “competitive rates”, he adds. In addition to transaction fees, SnapScan offers its customers the option of accessing analytics or running loyalty programmes, both of which are billed as add-ons.
  • SnapScan co-founder, 28-year-old Kobus Ehlers, says there are a number of benefits to this approach for retailers. “It takes about 30 seconds to sign up. We issue a QR code, which you print, and you’re done.” Merchants without bank accounts can cash out their takings at the end of the day. “Customers can pay with the app, the retailer can then get a voucher code at the end of the day that they can punch in at a Standard Bank ATM — or hand over at a Spar — and get cash.” If customers don’t have the app installed, scanning the QR code will take them to the relevant app store where they can download it.
    • samielbaqqali
      samielbaqqali on 12 Feb 21
       
      Low transaction fees are often a strong opportunity to draw customers and this technique is perfectly executed by SnapScan. SnapScan, in my view, plays smart because they deliver a fast and digitalized service with a special QR code technology, so they deserve to win the South African app of the year.
  • If customers don’t have the app installed, scanning the QR code will take them to the relevant app store where they can download it.
  • ...4 more annotations...
  • To use SnapScan, consumers download the app for Apple, Android or BlackBerry, and add their credit card details by taking a picture of their card and creating a Pin. They can then use the app to scan a QR (quick response) code — a type of barcode — in a store and can make payments.
  • The company makes its money by charging a small transaction fee to the retailer on each purchase. This fee varies. “We take a small transaction fee, much like the acquiring component to merchant transactions,” Ehlers says. SnapScan has a partnership with Standard Bank, which means it can process transactions at “competitive rates”, he adds. In addition to transaction fees, SnapScan offers its customers the option of accessing analytics or running loyalty programmes, both of which are billed as add-ons. The company offers three products. The first is an “instant merchant product” aimed at informal retailers who want their takings in cash. The second is the “standard” product that settles into a bank account like a traditional point-of-sale (POS) unit. The third is an “enterprise solution” designed to integrate with existing POS systems.
  • SnapScan works with debit cards and credit cards, and there are no sign-up, setup or installation fees. There is also no monthly fee payable.
    • aymanelmamoun
      aymanelmamoun on 13 Feb 21
       
      SnapScan enters the market by offering many facilities to attract new customers. The application supports both debit and credit cards, no sign-ups or installation fees, and payments are made monthly.
  • SnapScan falls under FireID, the company that now houses six start-up technology businesses, SnapScan being the most recently launched. FireID started life as an information security company specialising in “two-factor authentication” technology for mobile phones. It was funded by billionaire Johann Rupert, through Reinet. Justin Stanford, one of FireID’s co-founders, was instrumental in securing the initial capital injection. However, Stanford was unable to convince Reinet’s investment committee to continue investing and in 2011 it pulled its funding of FireID, forcing the company to lay off its 40 employees.
    • omarlahmidi
      omarlahmidi on 13 Feb 21
       
      To attract customers, SnapScan uses many facilities such as accepting credit and debit cards.
  • hichamachir on 11 Feb 21
     
    The low transaction fees are always a good incentive to attract customers and SnapScan are implementing this strategy perfectly. In my opinion, SnapScan is playing smart because they offer a fast and digitalized service with a unique technology which is QR code, so they deserve to win the app of the year in South Africa.
  • chaimaa-rachid on 13 Feb 21
     
    SnapScan offered a digital service. The company has created efficiency and security with its QR code techniques.
  • hindelquarrouti on 13 Feb 21
     
    It is interesting and encouraging to customers the fact that they don't need to pay any sign-up, setup or installation fees in order to benefit from snapscan
hibaerrai

WorldRemit launches new product for business payments to Ghana | Africanews - 0 views

www.africanews.com/...for-business-payments-to-ghana

WorldRemit Remittance E-payments

shared by hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • WorldRemit’s low fees and exchange rates are shown up-front and customers can send money easily via the company’s website and app. By extending its money transfer service to SMEs, WorldRemit will save businesses time and money when they make international payments.
    • hibaerrai
      hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21
       
      WorldRemit transfer fees are quite low, and I believe that is caused by competition. In fact, banks provide the same services, however their fees are higher. So decreasing fees is a huge selling point for the fintech.
  • Today, we’re pleased to extend that service offering to businesses, and put an end to the steep fees that many pay, especially when sending to Ghana. We’re committed to making it quick, safe and easy for you to pay individuals across borders, leaving you to focus on growing your own business.”
    • hibaerrai
      hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21
       
      Low costs strategy is a winning strategy.
hibaerrai

SmartelMoney | Home - 0 views

smartelmoney.com

Smartel Money E-payments Lesotho Kenya Fintech

shared by hibaerrai on 12 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • Enjoy the lowest rates in the country, cheaper than internet banking and even cheaper than mobile money. We have kept our fees as low as possible - we are the most affordable option on the market
    • kaoutarchennoufi
      kaoutarchennoufi on 12 Feb 21
       
      The smartelmoney is distinguished by its low costing feature. Obviously, these facilities need to be affordable for many people in order to benefit from them because they are meant to improve lives by enabling people to transfer money at a lower cost.
  • Enjoy the lowest rates in the country, cheaper than internet banking and even cheaper than mobile money. We have kept our fees as low as possible. We are the most affordable option on the market.
    • hibaerrai
      hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21
       
      One interesting selling point of this fintech is that you can do all your money transfer and transactions with low costs. It's the cheapest option in Lesotho. The aim is to help consumers so that they can afford these kinds of services.
nouhaila_zaki

Mama Money - New Transfer Providers | Digital Frontiers Institute - 0 views

digitalfrontiersinstitute.org/...ewest-money-transfer-providers

Mukuru Lesotho Competitors Mama Money

shared by nouhaila_zaki on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • So how does Mama Money offer their service at 5% whereas Mukuru, arguably the most popular service over the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor, charges double this? From our experience of testing these two services, we noted a few key differences in how they operate which is likely to drive the cost differential between the two services. These differences include: · Mama Money maintain low overhead costs. Mama Money operate a single branch in Cape Town whereas Mukuru operate at least seven of their own branches nationally and they also operate through the Inter Africa branch network · Mama Money offer limited support beyond registration. In comparison, Mukuru operate a large 24 hour call centre and live chat function that supports and facilitates transfers. These support functions are no doubt very expensive to operate · Mama Money have a single partner organisation in Zimbabwe. Mama Money only have a single partner in Zimbabwe, CABS bank, whereas Mukuru have partnerships with a number of banks, retailers and mobile wallets. That said, if Mama Money’s Facebook comments are anything to go by, they may be adding more partner organisations in Zimbabwe, so this factor may soon be invalidated So while Mama Money’s competitors charge considerably higher fees, in the case of Mukuru, these higher fees are associated with some value-added benefits for the customer, for instance 24hr support on transactions for the sender and, for the recipient, a choice in how to receive the money.
    • nouhaila_zaki
      nouhaila_zaki on 13 Feb 21
       
      This excerpt explains how one of Mukuru's competitors Mama Money manages to charge lower commission fees (only 5% for Mama Money, and 10% for Mukuru). This could become an opportunity for growth for Mukuru who can attempt to find ways to cut its commission fees to attract more customers while maintaining its high quality and diversifying towards other services/products to gain more profit elsewhere.
samielbaqqali

The remittance industry is failing those who need it most - By Dr Ismail Ahmed, founder... - 1 views

africanarguments.org/...il-ahmed-founder-of-worldremit

Remittance Payment Algeria

shared by samielbaqqali on 11 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • The remittance market in Africa has for too long been monopolised by companies imposing very high fees that are on average three times those charged on remittances to Asia. They combine a pricing structure that imposes extortionate minimum charges with consistently poor services.
  • This has its roots in Western Union’s early activities in the African continent. As the first formal mover in the money transfer market, it worked to establish long-standing exclusivity agreements with all major African banks and money transfer agents, barring them from working with competitors. Such exclusivity agreements have propelled Western Union to a near-monopoly position in key African corridors, and have prevented the industry from being competitive.
    • samielbaqqali
      samielbaqqali on 12 Feb 21
       
      WorldRemit's founder claimed that the remittance industry is failing individuals who most need it. I believe that by offering low fees and gaining consumer confidence, WorldRemit will profit from this issue.
  • hichamachir on 11 Feb 21
     
    The founder of WorldRemit stated that the remittance industry is failing people who need it the most. I think that WorldRemit can benefit from this problem by providing low fees and gain customer trust.
chaimaa-rachid

International Money Transfers - Send Money Online - 1 views

www.worldremit.com/en

low-fees technology protection

shared by chaimaa-rachid on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • ow fees and our best exchange rates up front, with no hidden costs
  • We use industry-leading technology that protects your money and guarantees it arrives safely every time.
  • See our low fees and our best exchange rates up front, with no hidden costs
  • hindelquarrouti on 13 Feb 21
     
    Worldremit is smartly increasing and promoting financial inclusion by using industry leading technology in order to guarantee safe, fast, and cheap money transfers.
  • chaimaa-rachid on 13 Feb 21
     
    WordRemit services ensure protected, quick, and cheap money transfers.
ghtazi

Mukuru - ECP Investments - 0 views

www.ecpinvestments.com/...mukuru

Mukuru Funds Expenses

shared by ghtazi on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • Mukuru is uniquely focused on serving low- and middle-income migrants who typically send money home to their families to cover basic living expenses and who otherwise rely on informal and inconsistent channels such as buses, taxis, friends, and family. Through Mukuru, customers can send money through more reliable channels via bank transfer, cash deposit, credit/debit card or via a Mukuru Money Card and/or mobile money wallet. Friends and family members of these customers can then receive the money through the same methods (cash collection, bank transfer, cash to card, or mobile money wallet).
    • nouhaila_zaki
      nouhaila_zaki on 13 Feb 21
       
      This excerpt is important because it reflects some important aspects of the company's operations and business model. 1- The customer segment: low and middle-income migrants in Africa. 2- What problem Mukuru helps to solve: it provides migrants who send money to their families through informal channels with a formal and regulated platform.
  • Mukuru is uniquely focused on serving low- and middle-income migrants who typically send money home to their families to cover basic living expenses and who otherwise rely on informal and inconsistent channels such as buses, taxis, friends, and family. Through Mukuru, customers can send money through more reliable channels via bank transfer, cash deposit, credit/debit card or via a Mukuru Money Card and/or mobile money wallet. Friends and family members of these customers can then receive the money through the same methods (cash collection, bank transfer, cash to card, or mobile money wallet).
    • sawsanenn
      sawsanenn on 13 Feb 21
       
      This article shows us the customers that Mukuru is targetting which are low and middle-income migrants and help them to send or receive money to or from their families or surroundings by offering easy services that everybody can understand and proceed it even the illiterate people.
  • Founded in 2004, Mukuru has established a powerful brand affinity with customers built on trust, reliability, and local engagement. The company has grown to operate over 90 remittance corridors, enabling more than 5 million individuals to receive funds to cover living expenses, school fees, medical expenses, and utility bills. Mukuru is supported by world-class regulatory and compliance systems, highly scalable technology architecture, and a comprehensive sales and distribution network.
    • ghtazi
      ghtazi on 13 Feb 21
       
      Mukuru was founded in 2004, and since then the company has built a trustful, reliable with its customers. the company enables more than 5 million individuals to receive funds to cover everyday expenses.
chaimaa-rachid

WorldRemit Review - 7 Things You Must Know Before You Signup - 0 views

transumo.com/worldremit-review

low-fee currency WorldRemit

shared by chaimaa-rachid on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • WorldRemit charges you a transfer fee on each transaction, which depends on the currency you are sending, the amount and the delivery option.
  • chaimaa-rachid on 13 Feb 21
     
    WorldRemit is known for giving its clients reasonable cash moves with charges that are regularly lower than standard fees. Besides, the transfer is secure and fast.
mohammed_ab

Egypt calls for financial inclusions - Wamda - 1 views

www.wamda.com/...ypt-calls-financial-inclusions

Fawry Financial inclusion Regulations

shared by mohammed_ab on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • For years, Egyptian companies have been paying salaries in cash, and people have been saving money outside banks.  Only 10 percent of Egyptians have bank accounts, according to Payfort’s State of Payments in the Arab World 2014 report. Over the previous decade, the electronic payment market has been penetrated by two firms: state-owned e-Finance, which handles electronic payments from and to the government through banking channels, and private-sector Fawry, which was launched in 2008 to provide payment solutions through ATM machines, mobile wallets, and retail points. Chief technology officer of Fawry, Mostafa Elnahhas, told Wamda that his company succeeded in spreading 65,000 collection points in 300 cities for banked customers in Egypt. However, the electronic payment is still small-sized due to the large amount of unbanked customers and the low credit card penetration.
    • hibaerrai
      hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21
       
      Fawry's main concerns for the next years is the large number of customers not familiar with electronic payment making fintech entry more challenging. E-services awareness should be made in that regard.
  • Regulations are, however, crippling entrepreneurs. Mourad Alashry, CEO of PayMe, launched his startup in August 2016. It  allows companies and businesses to collect electronic payment without signing contracts with banks or paying extra fees.  The startup offers a simple payment tool for companies to allow them to set up an account and have customers send money through it. PayMe app was forced by Egypt’s fiscal regulator to stop operating for four months to abide by regulations. (Photo via PayMe) However, shortly after its launch, the Central Bank of Egypt, the state regulator, suspended Payme’s operations as a payment firm as it wasn’t cooperating with a bank. The firm had to abide by this regulation until it followed the requirements and collaborated with state-owned bank the National Bank of Egypt, then resumed its business in January 2017.  
    • hibaerrai
      hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21
       
      Egypt's regulations are quite strict. If a fintech doesn't cooperate with a bank for instance, the central bank will suspend its activities until further notice.
  • Regulations are, however, crippling entrepreneurs. Mourad Alashry, CEO of PayMe, launched his startup in August 2016. It  allows companies and businesses to collect electronic payment without signing contracts with banks or paying extra fees.  The startup offers a simple payment tool for companies to allow them to set up an account and have customers send money through it.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • Bureaucracy, the absence of clear government regulations in the electronic payment sector, and the low percentage of debit and credit card users in Egypt are affecting the sector, said Al Salahy.
  • mohammed_ab on 13 Feb 21
     
    This article shows that regulatory agencies are still very strict with fintech firms in Egypt. It makes the work for fintech very difficult as they need to abide by these regulations even if it affects their operations and growth.
kaoutarchennoufi

Finances | Kiva - 0 views

www.kiva.org/finances

KIVA Donations Lenders OperationsCosts

shared by kaoutarchennoufi on 12 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • Kiva covers operating costs primarily through the generosity of our lenders, who can choose to make donations in addition to loans. We cover more than two-thirds of our operating costs through these voluntary donations from Kiva lenders. The remainder of our costs are covered through grants, donations from foundations and supporters and Field Partner service fees. This model of fundraising helps promote sustainability, by keeping our fundraising costs low and tapping into the power of the crowd to help cover our costs.
    • kaoutarchennoufi
      kaoutarchennoufi on 12 Feb 21
       
      Covering the operations costs by the donations provided by the lenders in addition to the loans in such a clever and innovative cost reduction strategy. Moreover, the transparency that Kiva is showing to the lender will encourage them to give more loans and donations. In other words, they know where their money goes. Otherwise, lenders might think that by donating, they are contributing to the salary of organization's CEO for example and therefore they will refuse to make any kind of donations or even provide loans.
  • Kiva User Funds LLC is a separate entity that holds all funds belonging to Kiva users in FDIC-insured, escrow-like bank accounts. These low-yielding FBO accounts were set up to ensure Kiva users’ funds (meant for lending) are protected and fully separated from Kiva’s operational funds.
  • 100% of your loans go to the field Kiva never takes a fee from lenders, which means 100% of the funds you lend on Kiva go toward supporting borrowers’ loans.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • Kiva Microfunds is based in California and registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations made to Kiva go to support Kiva Microfunds and are used to cover the operating costs of running Kiva.
ayoubb

SmartelMoney | About Us - 2 views

smartelmoney.com/about

shared by ayoubb on 07 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • Smartel Money Ltd is company that is rooted in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The aim and focus of Smartel money is to provide mobile payment services, savings & credit and monetary transfers and serve thus as an alternative to traditional banking systems. We aim to provide to individuals, institutions, organizations, multi-industry sectors and governments with the cutting edge, fresh and innovative financial management system in this ever changing world. We also aim to improve the quality of cloud computing (payment as a service) and interaction between computers and people to achieve their payment processes.
    • kenza_abdelhaq
      kenza_abdelhaq on 07 Feb 21
       
      Smartel Money Ltd provides a range of financial services (mobile payments,savings, lending, transfers) for different customer segments including banked and unbanked individuals and societies. It mainly uses cloud computing and the use of computers for payment processes.
  • Smartel Money Ltd is company that is rooted in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The aim and focus of Smartel money is to provide mobile payment services, savings & credit and monetary transfers and serve thus as an alternative to traditional banking systems.
    • aminej
      aminej on 12 Feb 21
       
      Smartel Money is a very competitive application in the market when it comes to E-payments services and many other products thanks to the very low costs and convenience in using the platform. They will also connect people in rural areas to different part of the continent and even the world in order to get access to funding and credit
  • Smartel Money Ltd is company that is rooted in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The aim and focus of Smartel money is to provide mobile payment services, savings & credit and monetary transfers and serve thus as an alternative to traditional banking systems. We aim to provide to individuals, institutions, organizations, multi-industry sectors and governments with the cutting edge, fresh and innovative financial management system in this ever changing world. We also aim to improve the quality of cloud computing (payment as a service) and interaction between computers and people to achieve their payment processes. Smartel Money customer base comprises banked and unbanked people and societies, insurance, retail grocery, retail clothing, retail cell phone services, utility services etc.
    • tahaemsd
      tahaemsd on 12 Feb 21
       
      The core element of Smartel Money is to provide a simple and reliable payment system and provide credit to the customer base whilst in that regard providing competitive prices around the clock.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • SmartelMoney | About Us
    • ayoubb
      ayoubb on 13 Feb 21
       
      Smartel Money LTD
  • SmartelMoney | About Us
    • ayoubb
      ayoubb on 13 Feb 21
       
      Smartel Money LTD
  • mehdibella on 08 Feb 21
     
    There are 5 reasons why this company is being used: Low cost lowest rates in the country, cheaper than internet banking and even cheaper than mobile money. they have kept fees as low as possible - they are the most affordable option on the market. Easy To use you get to use the platform that you are most comfortable with, app, USSD codes, or internet, no need to cram codes that run forever if it doesn't work for you. It's Convinient YOU CAN DO IT ANYTIME ANYWHERE Use My Wallet anytime anywhere for anything, money transfers, bills, airtime, groceries, fuel. See, easy! It's safe When you use my Wallet Services, you are not bound to any carrier, you can even use it without any carrier, bring your ID or passport. Secure Uses accredited national banking security and standards to protect your money whether you are transacting or not.
mohammed_ab

About Us | EasyEquities - 3 views

www.easyequities.co.za/about-us

EasyEquities Investment Platform Trading Fintech

shared by mohammed_ab on 07 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • EasyEquities aims to disrupt and remove the barriers to entry in local and international stock markets, making the purchase of shares easy, cheap and fun, and ensuring that anyone can own shares in the companies they love.
    • kenza_abdelhaq
      kenza_abdelhaq on 07 Feb 21
       
      The South African Investech EasyEquities gives the opportunity to both "newbies and seasoned investors" to invest in stocks either in local or international stock markets by simplifying the process, reducing costs, and ensuring full transparency.
  • EasyEquities (EE), a subsidiary of JSE listed Purple Group Limited (PPE), is an online platform which allows anyone to buy shares in the brands and companies they love. For as little as R5, $10 or whatever amount they have available to invest (and with no monthly brokerage fees) newbie and seasoned investors alike can grow their wealth. EE powered by First World Trader (Pty), as an authorized financial services provider, has a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Our mission is to be a respected and recognized financial services provider. Treating our customers fairly is a primary objective of the conceptualization, creation and launch of the platform.
    • aminej
      aminej on 12 Feb 21
       
      I love this service since it enables people to invest their money in whatever business they want and also for any amount such as 10$, it will teach many people how to trade and maximize their profits
  • We’re easy You won’t find tricky tech, jargon or complex functionality here. We’ve kept things super simple so that your experience is quick, intuitive and fun.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • We’re cheap We’ve jumped though all the legal and technical hoops to deliver you nice-price investing. No minimums, no monthly fees and the super low commissions. Let’s not forget about Fractional Share Rights, which allow you to invest with whatever amount you can afford. You’re welcome.
  • We’re educational Upping your investment know-how or honing your skills is as easy as checking out our blog or FAQs, where we regularly post research, expert opinions and customer stories to help guide you in your journey. We’re also constantly engaging with our community on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube where you can chat to other investors and find helpful videos and tips.
  • We’ve got common purpose We dream big and want to see everyone investing. That means rewriting the rules, breaking away from the norm and creating a culture of empowered savers. Who’s with us?
  • mohammed_ab on 13 Feb 21
     
    I really like the value proposition of Easyequities. They've provided an easy and cheap platform to invest in fractional shares or real shares to African investors.
kenza_abdelhaq

Lumkani's fire detectors might help save thousands of homes in South Africa's townships - 1 views

www.pri.org/...e-thousands-homes-south-africa

Lumkani South Africa Insurtech Financial Inclusion

shared by kenza_abdelhaq on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • Right now, Lumkani is funded by charitable donations, with consumers paying a small, affordable fee — about $1.30 per box. But the company is looking for a more sustainable business model, and hopes to expand beyond South Africa's big cities throughout the nation and sub-Saharan Africa.
    • kenza_abdelhaq
      kenza_abdelhaq on 13 Feb 21
       
      Affordable devices for low income families in order to promote financial inclusion and expand to the rest of Africa.
  • kenza_abdelhaq on 13 Feb 21
     
    "Right now, Lumkani is funded by charitable donations, with consumers paying a small, affordable fee - about $1.30 per box. But the company is looking for a more sustainable business model, and hopes to expand beyond South Africa's big cities throughout the nation and sub-Saharan Africa."
samielbaqqali

WorldRemit Online Money Transfer - How It Works - 1 views

www.worldremit.com/...how-it-works

Worldremit Money Transfer

shared by samielbaqqali on 11 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • Why choose WorldRemit?We're SimpleNo need to visit an agent. Send 70 currencies to 130 countries, from your smartphone or computerWe’re SafeWe use industry-leading technology that protects your money and guarantees it arrives safely every time.We're Fast90% of our transactions are completed in minutesWe’re Low-costSee our low fees and our best exchange rates up front, with no hidden costs
  • We're SimpleNo need to visit an agent. Send 70 currencies to 130 countries, from your smartphone or computerWe’re SafeWe use industry-leading technology that protects your money and guarantees it arrives safely every time.
    • samielbaqqali
      samielbaqqali on 12 Feb 21
       
      I think that Fintechs's idea is to enhance our lifestyle and help us use fast services. WorldRemit provides a fast, successful and secure company, and by making it more creative, they can enhance their service.
  • hichamachir on 11 Feb 21
     
    The efficiency of WorldRemit is brilliant. I believe that the concept of Fintechs is to improve our lifestyle and help us use fast services. WorldRemit do provide a fast, efficient and safe business and they can improve their service by making it more innovative.
mehdi-ezzaoui

Ethio-Pay Celeb - 0 views

Ethio-Pay Celebrates Official Launch, Finally   Consumer pressure urged the last bank to join the integration line   The belated national e-payment switch, Ethio-Pay, serving the integr...

Ethippay

started by mehdi-ezzaoui on 12 Feb 21 no follow-up yet
mehdibella

mobile money made easy by new South African startup | Time - 4 views

time.com/...ricas-new-painless-payment-app

Fintech finance SouthAfrica snapscan

shared by mehdibella on 11 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • A free app available for any smartphone, SnapScan works almost like a pocket ATM linked to the user’s debit or credit card account. Instead of handing over a card, customers scan a unique SnapScan logo posted at the cash register with their camera-enabled phone. They enter the amount, type in a pin code (or use touch ID) and a few seconds later the vendor’s phone chimes with a confirmation sent by SMS. It’s quick, painless, and entirely safe, says Ehlers. SnapScan is backed by Standard Bank, one of South Africa’s biggest banks, and uses cutting-edge fraud protection technology. More to the point, he notes, it means that vendors never have access to actual credit card details. “That means no one is noting down your number so he can go shopping later,” says Ehlers.
  • It’s been so long since 30-year-old Cape Town entrepreneur Kobus Ehlers last used his wallet that he’s not even sure where it is. “My car maybe?” he says as he reflexively scans the cheerfully decorated offices of his startup, SnapScan. When it’s pointed out that leaving a wallet in a car in a city infamous for break-ins and carjackings may not be a good idea, he shrugs. He probably doesn’t even have the equivalent of five dollars in it, he says. “I never use cash. Credit cards are over. There are much better ways to pay for things.”As the co-founder of one of South Africa’s most successful electronic payments apps, Ehlers is of course expected to use his own product. But the real reason he isn’t worried about his wallet is because Cape Town is a city seduced by the idea of cashless and cardless transactions, in no small part because of his company’s success. “You can literally wake up in the morning, buy a cup of coffee, go to your dentist, have lunch, pay your bills, take a taxi, go out for dinner, and donate to your favorite cause without using cash or a card,” says Ehlers. “And in none of that is there any risk of your card details getting stolen, or you getting mugged for your cash.”
    • samielbaqqali
      samielbaqqali on 12 Feb 21
       
      SnapScan is an example of Fintech's performance. I assume, however, that these kinds of creative companies need to be sponsored by strong organizations. SnapScan is backed by Standard bank and this bank is powerful financial institution in South Africa. So I think that in order to develop their offerings, Fintechs should use the financial power of banks.
  • It’s been so long since 30-year-old Cape Town entrepreneur Kobus Ehlers last used his wallet that he’s not even sure where it is. “My car maybe?” he says as he reflexively scans the cheerfully decorated offices of his startup, SnapScan. When it’s pointed out that leaving a wallet in a car in a city infamous for break-ins and carjackings may not be a good idea, he shrugs. He probably doesn’t even have the equivalent of five dollars in it, he says. “I never use cash. Credit cards are over. There are much better ways to pay for things.”As the co-founder of one of South Africa’s most successful electronic payments apps, Ehlers is of course expected to use his own product. But the real reason he isn’t worried about his wallet is because Cape Town is a city seduced by the idea of cashless and cardless transactions, in no small part because of his company’s success. “You can literally wake up in the morning, buy a cup of coffee, go to your dentist, have lunch, pay your bills, take a taxi, go out for dinner, and donate to your favorite cause without using cash or a card,” says Ehlers. “And in none of that is there any risk of your card details getting stolen, or you getting mugged for your cash.”
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • SnapScan may make mobile payments easy for users, says Ehlers, but the reason why the company has been so successful in South Africa is that it makes processing the payments easy—and cheap—for sellers. With traditional credit card systems, and even Apple Pay, vendors have to buy expensive equipment to process the payments—something small businesses can rarely afford. But SnapScan only requires an upfront investment of the less than five cents it costs to print out their Quick Response [QR] Code, a square, camera-readable version of a traditional bar code that resembles a mosaic tile, and tape it to the cash register. “If someone wants to buy from you and you don’t have a credit card machine, and the person doesn’t have cash, our payment system is the difference between closing the sale and not closing the sale,” says Ehlers. Registration is free, and the company charges retailers an average fee of three percent, on par with most credit card companies.
    • samiatazi
      samiatazi on 13 Feb 21
       
      Snapscan is very useful for Startups and vendors willing to switch and rely on the digital transformation due to both its low cost and effectiveness. additionally, the platform is practical for cashless consumers.
  • It was that question, of how to bring small businesses that couldn’t afford traditional credit processing facilities into an increasingly cashless environment that inspired Ehlers and his co-founders to develop SnapScan. Like many Cape Townians, Ehlers was a fan of the Big Issue, a South African spinoff of a British charity that prints high quality magazines for homeless men and women to sell at a profit in order to work their way off the streets. Most of the vendors ply traffic backed up at intersections for sales. But because of the risk of carjackings, which have nearly doubled in the greater Cape Town area over the past two years, to 1530 reported incidents, few motorists keep cash on hand. “People stopped buying the magazines,” says Ehlers. “A Big Issue vendor comes up and says ‘do you want to buy a magazine,’ and you say ‘I do, but I don’t have cash with me.’ That was a problem we realized we could solve very easily.”
    • samiatazi
      samiatazi on 13 Feb 21
       
      I, personally, think that the best business ideas are the ones solving current issues faced by customers because it would be easier to promote and sell a product to an already existing market. This article points out that the business idea of Snapscan arrised from a simple discussion between a magazine seller and a cashless buyer, now it is one of the biggest Fintechs in Africa. indeed, We should believe in our potential to change others' life.
  • SnapScan customers don’t have to worry about sending their credit card details to online vendors that may not have the latest fraud protection. They just scan the QR code at the virtual checkout like they would in the real world.
  • As a result, SnapScan has been adopted by about 12,000 small and medium businesses in more than 17,000 outlets across South Africa.
  • SnapScan has 150,000 registered users, and processes hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments every day for everything from airline tickets to handcrafted wicker baskets at roadside curio stalls.
    • mehdibella
      mehdibella on 13 Feb 21
       
      I am very proud to hear that the African continent is not only following the mobile payments trend and development, but it is also joining as a leader in the space !
  • A free app available for any smartphone, SnapScan works almost like a pocket ATM linked to the user’s debit or credit card account. Instead of handing over a card, customers scan a unique SnapScan logo posted at the cash register with their camera-enabled phone.
  • SnapScan may make mobile payments easy for users, says Ehlers, but the reason why the company has been so successful in South Africa is that it makes processing the payments easy—and cheap—for sellers.
  • For all the talk of a new cashless society ushered in by the likes of Apple Pay in the United States, it’s going to be a while before a swipe of a phone will buy a meal in most cities. But in Cape Town, it’s already happening. I’ve used my phone to pay for parking, cover a medical bill, order take out, buy groceries at my local farmers market and give money to the homeless woman selling the South African version of Street News at the traffic light. Churchgoers use their phones for donations. My facialist just informed me that I could pay for Botox treatments with SnapScan. I’ll take that as her endorsement of an increasingly popular payment service, and not a hint.
    • ayoubb
      ayoubb on 13 Feb 21
       
      Snapscan
  • hichamachir on 11 Feb 21
     
    SnapScan is an example of the efficiency of fintechs. However, I believe that these kind of innovative businesses need to be backed by strong institutions. SnapScan is backed by Standard bank and this bank is strong financial institution in South Africa. So I think that fintechs can use the financial power of banks in order to improve their services.
  • hindelquarrouti on 13 Feb 21
     
    I believe that by being easy to use and fast, Snapscan found success. However, what encourages customers to use it even more is its cheap cost.
  • chaimaa-rachid on 13 Feb 21
     
    The fact that the company provides an easy-to-use and fast service inspires people to use it.
mehdi-ezzaoui

Ethio-Pay Celeb - 0 views

Ethio-Pay Celebrates Official Launch, Finally   Consumer pressure urged the last bank to join the integration line   The belated national e-payment switch, Ethio-Pay, serving the integr...

Ethiopay

started by mehdi-ezzaoui on 12 Feb 21 no follow-up yet
hibaerrai

Online platform improves the livelihood of small farmers in Ghana - 0 views

www.cta.int/...43-4fba-4ef9-8ffc-6226fac4b145

AgroCenta Agritech Fintech Ghana Africa Loans

shared by hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21 - No Cached
  • We have seen improvements in farmers’ livelihoods because we give them a fair price for the commodities they produce and help them with better farming practices so they increase their yields. Seeing farmers being able to pay school fees for their families has given us joy about what we do. Agriculture is the space we should be in. Before AgroCenta farmers were selling to middle men at sometimes ridiculously low prices for maize, for instance. At the time a middle man would buy a 50 kg bag of maize for US$9 (40 cedis) and we would buy it for US$11 (49 cedis). We deal mostly in maize, sorghum and soya beans and have a five year contract with a big organisation that has a constant demand for these commodities. In 2016 we sponsored 400 farmers, the majority of whom were women. We provided them with seed, fertilisers and tractor services. These farmers had an assured market. Everything they produced got purchased by us at prevailing market prices, enabling them sell quickly and earning higher.
    • hibaerrai
      hibaerrai on 13 Feb 21
       
      Not only does AgroCenta financially support farmers (Agropay) but it also provided all nnecessary material to make their lives easier ( seeds, soil...).
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