Article written by Gilbert Phiri Cellulant Zambia Country Manager and republished with permission
Digital payments have revolutionized how we transact, offering a fast, secure and efficient alternative to traditional payment methods. In Zambia, digital payments are quickly gaining popularity as more people recognise their potential to drive economic growth. With the rise of mobile money platforms and online banking services, there has never been a better time for businesses and consumers alike to shift from cash to digital payments.
Digital payments are electronic payment methods that allow for secure and quick transfers without physical exchange. The past few years have seen an uptick in digital payments, with technological advances and shifting consumer preferences playing a significant role. Moreover, e-commerce, mobile payment systems, and contactless options have become commonplace.
Digital payments landscape in Zambia
Zambia has a rapidly growing digital payments landscape, with an increasing number of people turning to electronic transactions instead of traditional cash-based methods. According to GSMA Intelligence, mobile cellular connections in Zambia totalled 16.36 million at the beginning of 2023, equivalent to 80.6 per cent of the overall population. The report further states that there were 4.30 million internet users in Zambia at the start of 2023, when internet penetration stood at 21.2 per cent.
Recent Statista data reveals that the digital Payments sector in Zambia will likely increase by 16.12% from 2023-2027, with a market size of US$8441.00m by 2027. In addition to mobile money, several other digital payment options are available in Zambia. For example, customers can use debit or credit cards at point-of-sale terminals or make online payments through Internet banking platforms.
The positive growth of digital payments in Zambia has opened a significant opportunity for both businesses and consumers. This growth will open up more accessible, secure, and efficient online transactions.
Challenges facing digital payments
The e-payments market in Africa needs to be more cohesive, with various providers operating across different regions and countries. While there are some notable players like M-Pesa in Kenya and Paga in Nigeria, many potential customers still need help finding a service that meets their needs. Speaking to Quartz, Akshay Grover, The CEO of Cellulant, stated that solving this issue is challenging. “It’s causing businesses a great deal of difficulty. This is why fintech exists – to relieve them from their struggles,” he explains.
According to Grover, fintech companies like Cellulant must integrate various payment methods for businesses to form connections.
Cellulant: Revolutionizing Payment Solutions
Cellulant has bolstered the payment landscape in Zambia with Tingg, its forward-thinking payment solution. It has made secure transactions more accessible, even in areas lacking traditional banking.
Tingg- by Cellulant is helping businesses in Zambia easily manage their finances. It caters to various sectors, from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to FMCG and agribusiness. Throughout the nation, prominent merchants such as Mt Meru, Oryx, Zambeef, Ross Breeders, Atheneon and Granddaddy’s are amongst those who rely on the convenience of the platform. With its intuitive design and proven track record in security and reliability, Tingg provides payment solutions that aid in the economic growth of Zambia.
In-store, Tingg’s top product in Zambia, enables merchants with physical stores to accept customer payments through a QR code, USSD or link. This platform provides merchants a real-time reporting dashboard to track multiple expenses, reduce operational costs associated with handling cash, and eliminate revenue loss. With Tingg-Instore, merchants don’t need third-party hardware or software via web or Android mobile apps.
Recommendations
Digital payments significantly affect Zambia’s economic growth. The country has already made commendable steps towards embracing this technology, but more still needs to be done.
- An improvement of the digital infrastructure in the country, including internet connectivity and network coverage
- Public education and awareness campaigns to help people understand the benefits and convenience of digital payments.
- Partnerships between the government, private sector players, and financial institutions to drive innovation and collaboration towards developing robust and secure digital payment systems.
As we move into an ever-increasingly digitised world, it’s time for Zambia to take bold steps towards creating a thriving cashless economy that will benefit all citizens.
Are you an entrepreneur looking for seamless and secure payment solutions? Then don’t hesitate to reach out to us for the best experience.
This article was also published on Cellulant. To read more, visit: https://www.cellulant.io/2023/04/26/digital-payments-are-pivotal-to-zambias-economic-growth/
