by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

 Exciting news for multinational eCommerce merchants trading in Africa!  The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is transforming cross-border payments across the continent.

📢 Exciting news for multinational eCommerce merchants trading in Africa! 🌍 

The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is transforming cross-border payments across the continent.

Here’s what this means for your business:

  • Simplified Payments: Say goodbye to the historical complexities and costs associated with foreign exchange for cross-border transactions. PAPSS will simplify the entire process.
  • Instant/Near-Instant Payments: Experience faster transactions with instant or near-instant transfers of funds between you and your customers, regardless of their location in Africa.
  • Local Currency Transactions: Payments will be made in local currencies, eliminating the hassle and costs of currency conversion for both you and your customers.
  • Reduced Costs: PAPSS will reduce the costs associated with cross-border payments, leading to operational efficiencies and increased profitability.
  • Improved Working Capital: Benefit from payment certainty and faster transaction times, leading to improved working capital management.
  • Access to New Markets: PAPSS can help unlock economic opportunities by making cross-border trade easier and more efficient, facilitating access to new African markets.
  • Growing Network: PAPSS is bringing together a growing network of banks, payment service providers, and other financial intermediaries across Africa, expanding reach and payment options.

PAPSS is a game-changer for cross-border trade in Africa, offering a secure and efficient financial market infrastructure. By connecting African banks and payment service providers, it will enable instant and secure payments in local currencies. This is a significant step towards accelerating Africa’s trade and creating a more interconnected and prosperous continent.

Contact us to learn more about how your multinational eCommerce business can benefit from interconnected payment services!

#PAPSS #Africa #eCommerce #CrossBorderPayments #Fintech #Trade #GlobalCommerce

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

Exactly How Has the Expiring Card Problem been Solved for Recurring Billing and Subscriptions?

Here’s a blog post explaining exactly how the expiring card problem has been solved with card-on-file tokenisation:

Say Goodbye to Expired Card Headaches: How Tokenisation Keeps Payments Seamless

For e-commerce merchants, one of the most persistent and frustrating issues has been dealing with expired credit cards for customers with saved payment details. Whether it’s for subscription services, recurring payments, or simply a returning customer’s convenience, outdated card information leads to failed transactions, lost revenue, and a poor customer experience. Thankfully, modern payment technology, specifically card-on-file tokenisation, offers a robust solution to this long-standing problem.

So, how exactly does tokenisation solve the expiring card dilemma? Let’s break it down:

Instead of directly storing your customers’ sensitive Primary Account Numbers (PANs) – their 16-digit card numbers – card-on-file tokenisation replaces this data with a unique, randomly generated identifier called a token. This token is essentially a placeholder for the actual card details.

The crucial innovation lies in how these tokens are managed, particularly when a card expires or is replaced due to loss or theft. Traditionally, when a customer’s saved card expired, the merchant would have to rely on the customer to manually update their information. This often led to forgotten updates, failed payments, and customer churn.

With card-on-file tokenisation, the process is far more streamlined and often completely invisible to both the merchant and the customer. Here’s how it works:

  • When a customer’s card on file is tokenised, a link is created between the merchant (the token requestor) and the cardholder’s credential. This link, and the associated token, are managed by the card issuer (the bank).
  • The issuer actively monitors the lifecycle of the underlying card. When a card is due to expire or a new card is issued (for example, due to the old one being reported lost or stolen), the issuer updates the linking to the token.
  • The token itself remains active and valid, even though the physical card number and expiry date have changed.
  • When a subsequent payment is initiated using the token, the updated card details are automatically retrieved and used by the payment processor behind the scenes.

This means that for services like subscription boxes or monthly software fees, customers no longer need to manually update their payment information when their card expires. The transition to their new card is seamless, ensuring uninterrupted service and preventing failed payments.

As Phillip mentioned in our conversation, this is a “massive benefit because you don’t have all those expiring cards and things like that”. Nikhil from Visa confirmed that the bank or issuer manages the linking from the old card to the new card and to the token, maintaining the vault and updating the linking automatically.

Key benefits for merchants include:

  • Reduced churn: Fewer failed payments due to expired cards mean fewer lost subscriptions and repeat business.
  • Improved customer experience: Customers enjoy a hassle-free experience without the need to remember to update their payment details.
  • Increased revenue: Fewer failed transactions directly translate to more successful payments and higher revenue.
  • Reduced operational overhead: Your team spends less time dealing with declined payments related to expired cards.

In essence, card-on-file tokenisation takes the burden of managing expiring card details away from both the merchant and the customer. By ensuring that the underlying payment information associated with a token is automatically updated by the issuer, this technology delivers a smoother, more reliable payment experience that benefits everyone involved. It’s a significant step forward in creating truly seamless e-commerce transactions.

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

We’ve implemented Visa’s card-on-file tokenisation for eCommerce merchants

Here’s a short, bulleted overview of the benefits of card-on-file tokenisation for merchants:

  • Enhanced Security: Replaces sensitive PAN data with tokens, reducing fraud risk.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Automatic card updates for recurring payments prevent disruption. Faster checkout for returning customers.
  • Higher Authorisation Rates: Tokenised transactions see a higher approval rate than PAN-based ones.
  • Reduced Fraud: Significantly lowers card-not-present (CNP) fraud.
  • Avoid Visa Fines: Tokenisation helps avoid “behavioural fines” on PAN-based transactions.
  • Simplified PCI Compliance: Reduces exposure to sensitive card data, potentially easing compliance efforts.
  • Future-Proof Payments: Aligns with the industry trend towards tokenisation.
  • Increased Sales: Higher authorisation rates and reduced cart abandonment can lead to increased revenue.
  • Better Data Insights (potentially): Linked tokens can offer a unified view of customer transactions.
  • Competitive Advantage: Offering modern, secure payment options can attract more customers.

Contact us to get tokenised now!

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

Agentic Commerce and Payments! 


📢 Decentralized AI Agents Alliance (DAAA) tackles Agentic Commerce and Payments! 🎉 

The newly formed Agentic Commerce Subgroup is bringing together a dynamic group of individuals passionate about the intersection of decentralized AI agents and commercial transactions, particularly in the blockchain space.

Initiated by Eric Forst of Blocksee and including our Robin Philip, the Agentic Commerce subgroup includes members from diverse organisations such as Mother AI, Taiser.ai, Beem, Coinbase, and PayPangea, with interests spanning DeFi, content monetization, AI-driven wallet management, and both crypto and traditional payments.

The group’s ambitions include defining “agentic commerce,” exploring various payment mechanisms, and fostering interoperable standards. 

A key focus is on identifying and solving clear problems collectively and bridging the gap between traditional businesses, AI developers, and crypto communities. 

What are your thoughts around how Agentic payments are developing?

 #AgenticCommerce #DAAA #DecentralizedAI #Web3 #AI

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

Level Up Your Game: Reduce Costs, Expand Reach, and Boost Profitability in African Sports Betting and iGaming

Are you looking for a game-changing solution to optimise your payment operations in the dynamic African sports betting and iGaming market? African Payment Solutions is excited to build you a cutting-edge Cashier Management System that can empower your business to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, reach, and profitability.

The Cashier Management System is designed to be significantly more advanced than basic voucher systems. It offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to the unique demands of your industry, enabling you to streamline your financial processes and focus on growth.

Unlock Unparalleled Efficiency and Reduced Costs:

  • Sophisticated Wallet Management: Our system provides the ability to create nested wallets that can be named as Agents or Stores. This hierarchical structure allows for efficient management of funds across your network, whether you operate through physical agents or multiple online platforms. This granular control can significantly reduce reconciliation overheads and minimise discrepancies, directly impacting your operational costs.
  • Secure and Controlled Transactions: Moving money in and out of wallets is a core function of our system, complete with all the necessary checks and balances. This robust framework ensures secure transactions, mitigating the risks associated with fraud and unauthorised activities. By strengthening your financial controls, you can reduce potential losses and improve your bottom line.
  • Comprehensive Reporting and Insights: Gain a clear and real-time understanding of your financial performance with our detailed reporting capabilities. The system provides reporting on all these wallets and transactions to show balances, live views and detailed transaction views. These insights enable you to make data-driven decisions, optimise your operations, and identify areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.

Expand Your Reach Across Africa:

  • Flexible Integration Options: This Cashier Management System will be accessible via API and/or the Admin interface – also potentially a stand alone interface should the need arise. This flexibility allows for seamless integration with your existing platforms and opens up opportunities to reach a wider audience through various channels. Whether you need to connect to your website, mobile applications, or agent networks, our system can adapt to your needs. The nested wallet structure for “Agents” and “Stores” directly supports expansion through agent networks.

Drive Profitability and Achieve Sustainable Growth:

By reducing operational costs, minimising financial risks, and enabling broader market penetration, the Cashier Management System directly contributes to increased profitability for your sports betting and iGaming business in Africa. The detailed reporting empowers you to understand your financial flows, identify profitable segments, and make strategic decisions to maximise your returns.

Built for You, Ready in Weeks:

We understand the importance of speed to market. Our team is dedicated to delivering this powerful solution efficiently, with a build time of just a month and a half from the project start date.

Ready to transform your payment operations and elevate your business?

Contact African Payment Solutions today to learn more about how our Cashier Management System can be tailored to your specific needs and help you thrive in the African sports betting and iGaming landscape.

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

The Nature of African eCommerce Payments with a World Class Team – an external view on us

APS focuses on fast integrations and building bespoke products for large merchants. 

Their payment gateway is built in the Amazon Cloud, ensuring a modern and modular construction. This allows them to quickly adapt and create tailored solutions.

The team consists of people who are described as resilient, comfortable dealing with challenges and constantly adapting to market changes. The APS team members are resourceful and quick-thinking.

The APS team are hands-on and detail-oriented. For example, they handle tasks such as:

  • Managing quarterly changes from acquiring banks.
  • Testing transactions with the Schemes to identify format errors.
  • Cloud migration testing
  • Troubleshooting discrepancies with banks.
  • Addressing security risks.
  • Developing systems for merchant notifications regarding card updates.

The APS team are technically skilled and proactive in addressing issues. Despite being a small team, they manage to accomplish a significant amount. There is also a culture of collaboration and communication to ensure tasks are completed efficiently.

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

Revolutionising Travel Bookings: The Power of Seamless Online Payments 

The online travel industry is undergoing a massive transformation, and at the heart of it lies the evolution of online payment systems. For Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to thrive, integrating diverse, secure, and user-friendly payment solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential. Here’s why:

  • Global Payment Preferences: Payment preferences vary significantly by region. In Asia-Pacific, digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate. Meanwhile, in North America, credit and debit cards remain primary, though mobile wallets are gaining traction. OTAs must adapt to these local nuances to capture a global audience.  In Africa its mainly credit and debit cards and mobile money, but bank transfers are becoming popular.
  • Fintech Innovation: Fintech innovation is optimising payment services globally. The ability to handle a high volume of transactions per second, whilst ensuring system stability and reducing settlement times.
  • Cross-Border Solutions: As international travel recovers, seamless cross-border payments are crucial. Real-time payment networks and crypto technology facilitate faster and more cost-effective transactions, reducing currency conversion fees and processing times.
  • Fraud Prevention: With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, AI and machine learning (ML) are vital for fraud detection and prevention. These tools analyse transaction patterns in real-time, enhancing security and improving customer trust.
  • Personalised Experiences: Travellers expect payment options tailored to their preferences. AI and data analytics enable OTAs to offer dynamic pricing and payment choices based on location, currency, and booking history, reducing cart abandonment.

OTAs must prioritise flexibility, security, and scalability to meet evolving customer expectations and stay competitive. Embracing these payment trends will not only enhance the traveller experience but also drive business growth in an increasingly digital world.

Thank you to The PayPers for inspiration https://thepaypers.com/interviews/payment-trends-and-sustainable-travel-regional-and-demographic-differences–1272577

#travel #payments #fintech #traveltechnology #onlinepayments #digitalwallets #AI #machinelearning #crossborderpayments #TripcomGroup

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

Branded Voucher System

We have been asked to quote on a build of a branded voucher system for an online gambling anfd sports betting company . . here is what it would look like!

The voucher system will have the following functions:

  • The ability to create a branded voucher (including prefix’s of ticket numbers etc)
  • Ability to create vouchers via API on demand
  • Ability to mass create vouchers of certain denominations and export them
  • Ability to redeem entire or partial voucher amounts via API
  • Reporting on all of the above

From the date we start the work this will take a month to build.

Do you need something like this?

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

Things that keep eCommerce merchants awake at night.

If you are an eCommerce merchant juggling the complexities of online payments? You’re not alone!

In a recent discussion with a leading South African eCommerce person highlighted some key concerns that keep merchants up at night:

  • Safeguarding against risk and fraud: The surge in transaction volumes, especially during peak seasons like December and January, requires constant vigilance and robust security measures. International card fraud is a particular worry, with merchants needing to balance security with the desire to serve legitimate customers using foreign cards.
  • The ever-evolving payments landscape: New payment methods emerge, customer preferences shift, and pricing models change, requiring merchants to adapt quickly and offer a variety of options.
  • Maintaining high uptime and conversion rates: Ensuring that payment systems are reliable and efficient is crucial for providing a seamless customer journey and maximizing revenue. Having alternative processing options and failover mechanisms in place is essential to minimize downtime.
  • Balancing customer experience with security: Customers have their favourite payment methods and providers, and there is a fine line in balancing optionaity and security with the simplicity of the customer experience .
  • Keeping up with technology: New innovations like network tokenization with Visa and Mastercard offer enhanced security and a seamless experience, but merchants need to stay informed and implement these technologies effectively.

It’s clear that being a merchant in today’s digital world requires agility, resilience, and a deep understanding of the payments ecosystem. What are your biggest payment-related challenges? A problem shared is a problem halved.

by Robin Philip Robin Philip No Comments

South African local online payment preference  

🇿🇦

To optimise customer experience and revenue, it’s crucial to understand local payment preferences.

Here’s a closer look at what’s trending:

  • Vouchers: Vouchers are a dominant force, particularly a customised own bepoke merchant voucher, with smaller denominations often being most popular.
  • Instant EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): A significant payment method due to its favourable costing.
  • Credit and Debit Cards: While still important, debit cards more common than credit cards for the lower LSMs, the card market is being eroded by alternative payment methods.
  • Capitec Pay: Has grown significantly in popularity.
  • PayShap: A more general, instant banking model to debit bank accounts using a mobile number.

Key takeaways:

  • Local nuances matter: Payment preferences vary significantly based on vertical.
  • Diversification is key: Offering a range of payment options caters to a broader customer base to increase conversion rates.

Diversify your payment options and improve the customer experience?

Let’s discuss how to navigate the South African payment landscape effectively! 

#SouthAfrica #Payments #Fintech #eCommerce #Vouchers #InstantEFT