South Africa Powers Fintech Sector Growth In Africa, Pulling 40% Revenue
The ascent of digital wallets is reshaping the landscape of financial transactions, presenting a myriad of benefits as a payment solution. Offering convenience, security, and accessibility, these platforms facilitate swift and efficient transfers. According to the World Bank, such innovations play a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusion, a cornerstone for economic development and attaining UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In South Africa, the fintech scene is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by regulatory adjustments, technological advancements, and heightened competition. The country’s fintech sector, encompassing a spectrum of services from online banking to peer-to-peer lending, has garnered international acclaim for its sophistication, contributing to 40% of Africa’s fintech revenue, according to a 2023 Research And Markets report.
Dawid de Villiers, Gabi Richards-Smith, and Lerato Lamola, experts from Webber Wentzel, anticipate significant strides in South Africa’s fintech industry in 2024. Forecasts include guidelines for artificial intelligence, modifications in payment regulations, advancements in cryptocurrencies, an open finance framework, and a surge in mobile banking participation.
Regulatory amendments, particularly those under the National Payment System Act, are anticipated to encourage broader participation from non-bank entities, fostering inclusion and efficiency in the financial ecosystem. Concurrently, an uptick in financial service providers leveraging mobile telecommunications services is expected, attracting foreign investments and enriching market dynamics.
The exponential growth of digital payments in South Africa, surpassing e-commerce expansion in 2023, underscores shifting consumer preferences. Digital wallets and contactless payment systems like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay have gained substantial traction, with over 50 percent of South Africans opting for such methods in commercial transactions.
Insights from Stitch, a payments infrastructure company, reveal a notable shift in consumer behaviour towards digital wallets and contactless systems, challenging the dominance of traditional card payments in both online and offline scenarios. Capitec Pay’s swift adoption, despite its recent launch, highlights consumers’ readiness for innovative solutions aligning with evolving needs.
The market’s evolution is further evidenced by Statista’s Consumer Insights, which indicate FNB Pay and Mastercard Click to Pay as leading mobile payment brands, followed closely by Apple Pay, Google Pay, and SnapScan. Although the adoption of Google Pay for online transactions witnessed a slight decline in 2023, its usage among consumers remained steady.
However, the proliferation of contactless payment methods has also attracted fraudulent activities. Instances of fraud through digital wallets, particularly utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, have surged, prompting concerns among banking authorities. Criminal syndicates exploiting stolen card information for fraudulent purchases via digital wallets have caused significant financial losses, warranting swift regulatory responses and heightened consumer vigilance.
While contactless payment methods offer unparalleled convenience, stakeholders urge vigilance against emerging fraud tactics, with emphasis on the balance between ease and security to ensure the continued trust and integrity of South Africa’s fintech ecosystem.
