Vodacom Financial Services is inviting developers and businesses to join the VodaPay ecosystem by building their own “Mini Programs”.
Developed by Vodacom Financial Services, in partnership with global digital lifestyle services platform Alipay, VodaPay is a mobile payments solution that has been customised to meet the specific lifestyle and payment needs of consumers, businesses and tech developers, says the mobile operator.
The company believes the arrival of Vodacom’s VodaPay “Super App” is set to be a game-changer for driving financial inclusion and economic growth in SA.
Vodacom notes the Super App allows developers to leverage world-class technology to accelerate digital engagement and increase access to market.
Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group chief executive officer, says: “Since we announced the VodaPay Super App in July last year, we have made significant strides in developing this technology solution that will transform the fintech ecosystem in South Africa.
“Our powerful partnership with Alipay strengthens our access to world-class technology and puts us on par with leading global digital counterparts. If we are to drive financial inclusion, and go even further together, we want to offer the capabilities of the VodaPay Mini Programs to as many businesses, of all sizes, across multiple industries as possible.
“Through collaboration in establishing an inclusive mobile payment ecosystem, we can change the economic landscape for the benefit of the entire country.”
According to Vodacom, whether a VodaPay user is looking to pay bills, send money, play games, order takeaways or shop online, there’s likely to be a Mini Program for it, located in one digital space.
Mariam Cassim, chief officer of Vodacom Financial and Digital Services, says: “This is the perfect opportunity for businesses and developers to establish a presence in this hi-tech, scalable digital mall.
“They can access millions of potential customers every day. While VodaPay will be accessible to customers on any mobile network, it will be zero-rated for all Vodacom customers. This is to further enhance digital inclusion in South Africa.”
The company says VodaPay provides the infrastructure on which merchants and consumers transact, managing all the login, authorisation and payments processing aspects of their transactions.
Businesses also have access to next-gen recommendation engines and data analytics to deliver personalised offers to customers as well as simplified checkout options, and advertising capabilities to drive sales, it adds.
According to the telco, the smaller applications within the VodaPay Super App brings diversity to the Mini Program offering and increases opportunities for creative start-ups and developers.
As there is a single ecosystem on which to build applications, developers only need to manage one code base for both iOS and Android devices, while benefiting from the tools, services and support from VodaPay’s technology, says Vodacom.
“This reduces the time, costs and administration when submitting apps for approval and results in faster development cycles, speeding up access to market,” adds Cassim.
Developers who want to showcase their skills and become part of the Mini Programs technology, should click here.
Source: IT Web.co.za
