PayU introduces A2A payments in Nigeria
This investment reflects PayU GPO’s broader strategy to drive financial inclusion and modernise the continent’s payment infrastructure, while responding to rapidly shifting consumer preferences.
The expansion comes at a time when alternative payment methods are on the rise across the region. Insights from Black Friday 2024 show a steady decline in traditional card usage, with card transactions dropping from 93% in 2022 to 84% in 2024 in South Africa. Meanwhile, Open Banking methods are rapidly gaining traction – CapitecPay transactions alone grew by 104% year-on-year. Mobile-first purchasing also continues to soar, with 67% of Black Friday transactions taking place on smartphones.
Read more: https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/105890/payu-introduces-a2a-payments-in-nigeria
Eventhive launches Payments Live as debut event in South Africa
Eventhive, Africa’s leading B2B2C event servicing company with a strong portfolio across key sectors, has expanded into South Africa with the launch of Payments Live. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place on Monday, 26 June 2025 at the prestigious Pivot Hotel, Montecasino, Johannesburg.
Payments Live aims to be the premier gathering for senior-level executives driving the future of payments across the African continent. The event will convene a diverse audience including payments leaders, prominent merchants, established banks, influential policymakers, innovative fintech companies and leading fraud prevention experts. Attendees will have an unparalleled opportunity to explore critical trends and unlock key opportunities within Africa’s rapidly evolving payments ecosystem.
Read more: https://techcentral.co.za/eventhive-payments-live-south-africa/264869/
Kenya’s Crypto Tax Could Hinder Africa’s Digital Growth Opportunity
As Kenya pushes forward with a revised 1.5% crypto transaction tax, it risks losing more than revenue — it could forfeit its regional fintech leadership, drive startups across borders, and fracture Africa’s digital economy before it can unify. Parliament is debating implementing the Digital Asset Tax (DAT) on every cryptocurrency transaction. While the intention to broaden the tax base is valid, the policy’s current form could deliver unintended consequences for Kenya and financial inclusion efforts across the continent.
With over 450 million unbanked individuals in Africa, digital assets offer a real chance to leapfrog traditional infrastructure and extend financial services to underserved populations. This tax risks raising transaction costs and pushing users — especially young, tech-savvy Africans — off regulated platforms and into informal channels.
Wingu Africa Secures $60M for Data Centre Expansion in East Africa
Wingu Africa, a carrier-neutral data centre operator and a key player in East Africa’s digital infrastructure sector, has raised US$60 million to support its regional expansion and the broader digital transformation of the continent.
The funding, provided by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), will be used to roll out data infrastructure across priority markets amid increasing demand for secure, scalable, and interconnected digital systems.
The company currently supports over 40 clients, including telecom operators, hyperscalers, financial institutions, and content providers.
Read more: https://fintechnews.africa/45381/fintechafrica/wingu-africa-raises-60m-east-africa-expansion/
51% of Shoppers Put Convenience First When Choosing Payments
Payments optimization is a battleground for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving digital landscape.
Achieving peak performance in payment processes requires a focus on three key pillars: choice, confidence and convenience.
The PYMNTS Intelligence report “Big Three: How Choice, Confidence and Convenience Drive Payments Optimization,” a collaboration with Worldpay, found that these attributes represent the core prerequisites for any successful payments optimization initiative and are pivotal for maximizing revenue and enhancing consumer engagement.
Paytm launches personalised UPI IDs to boost privacy and simplify payments
Paytm has launched personalised UPI IDs, allowing users to mask their mobile numbers during transactions- in a significant move towards safer digital payments. Users can now create unique identifiers like name@ptyes or name@ptaxis to send and receive money. This update has eliminated the need to share mobile numbers, improving user privacy across payment platforms.
Feature currently available on select bank handles
This feature is live for UPI handles issued via Yes Bank and Axis Bank, with plans to expand to other banking partners soon. Whether you’re paying at a retail store, transferring money to a vendor, or settling bills with friends, your phone number will no longer be visible in transaction details when using the personalised UPI ID.
