Absa Bank Launches Absa Mobi Tap App for Contactless Payments in Multiple African Countries

Absa Bank Botswana has launched the Absa Mobi Tap app, which allows merchants and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) to use their smartphones for processing contactless card transactions, eliminating the need for traditional point-of-sale devices. The South African-headquartered bank plans to introduce the app in Botswana, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Seychelles.

With this solution, Absa transforms off-the-shelf Near Field Communication smartphones and tablets into secure contactless payment terminals. No additional hardware, plug-ins, card readers, or dongles are required to accept PIN-protected card payments, making it convenient for merchants. The app aims to facilitate digital transactions for various businesses, including taxi associations, home and repair services, sports venues, flea markets, exhibitions, and farmers markets.

This is a huge step towards getting the economy digitised. The bank is very interested in the financial inclusion use case by availing this solution to the non-traditional segment of street vendors, hawkers and individuals having side hustles.

John D’Souza, Head of Cards and Lending, Absa

This solution speaks to our key focus in the drive towards digital-first solutions, particularly solutions that are digitally agile and responsive to our customers’ needs.

We are looking at empowering businesses that do deliveries, transportation, exhibitions, and auctions to bring convenience to cardholders and grow their business.

Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane, Managing Director, Absa

Absa Bank Botswana’s introduction of the Absa Mobi Tap app aligns with their commitment to digital transformation and providing innovative solutions tailored to customer requirements.