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Trends shaping global payment processing in 2023

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payment processing

There are several exciting trends emerging that will shape the way businesses and consumers process payments worldwide

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 29, 2023/APO Group/ — 

A global payment processing system is a network that enables financial institutions to process cross-border payments. It allows for currency exchange between banks and other financial institutions across borders. The system is used by businesses and individuals to make international payments, such as for goods and services purchased online.

Currently, this system is going through radical changes that are transforming how individuals and businesses send and receive money. Furthermore, there are several exciting trends emerging that will shape the way businesses and consumers process payments worldwide. From cryptocurrency and contactless transactions to artificial intelligence, these innovations are set to transform the industry as we know it.

What is a payment processor?

A payment processor is a financial institution that provides the technology and infrastructure necessary to facilitate global payment processing. Payment processors work with acquiring banks to provide merchants with the ability to accept credit card and debit card payments from customers around the world. Payment processors typically offer a suite of payment-related services, including merchant account management, payment gateway (https://apo-opa.info/42IetFv) and point-of-sale (POS) services, fraud prevention, and security solutions, and access to financing products. In addition, many payment processors offer value-added services such as loyalty programs, customer data analytics, and marketing assistance.

How big is the global payment industry?

A report by the Business Research Company suggests that the global payments market (https://apo-opa.info/3ZsekTH)  will record a growth of $612.04 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. Additionally, the report indicates that the global payments market will grow to $847.59 billion in 2027 at a (CAGR) of 8.5%. To begin with, new real-time payment platforms allow consumers and businesses to transfer money quickly, securely, and reliably across different banks and institutions. Again, there is an increased focus on security and data privacy (https://apo-opa.info/431uF4X) regarding payment processing. For instance, financial institutions are implementing more robust authentication processes to protect against fraud, as well as introducing new technologies such as biometrics and blockchain to strengthen security.

Trends reshaping payment processing in Africa

How we make and receive payments (https://apo-opa.info/3JVIxVx) is changing rapidly, and Africa is at the forefront. What’s more, new technologies and trends in global payment processing are reshaping the continent, making it easier for businesses to trade with each other and with the rest of the world. One of the most significant changes is the growth of mobile money. Equally important, more and more people in Africa are using their phones to send and receive payments, thanks to platforms like M-Pesa in Kenya and MTN Mobile Money in Ghana.

Additionally, payment gateways like Tingg (https://apo-opa.info/42IetFv) are reshaping how to send and receive money online in Africa.  This makes it easier for businesses to transact without going through a traditional bank. Another trend that’s reshaping Africa is the rise of blockchain technology. Blockchain allows for secure, fast, and cheap transactions without a middleman. This could potentially revolutionize African economies by making it easier to move money around without losing value through exchange rates or fees. These trends are just some ways that global payment processing is changing Africa. They’re making it easier for businesses to trade with each other and connect with the rest of the world.

Is cash declining?

The decline of cash has been a long time coming. For years, experts have predicted the death of cash as we know it, and while that hasn’t happened yet, the writing is on the wall. Moreover, several factors are driving this shift away from cash.

Perhaps most importantly, technological advances have made alternative payment methods more convenient and secure. At the same time, consumer behaviour is changing, with younger generations, in particular, preferring digital payments. Interestingly, a survey from McKinsey indicates that the domination of cash in Africa will be challenged soon as e-payments become increasingly popular (https://apo-opa.info/3JThrOT). Banks and nonbank organizations are trying to simplify domestic and international payments.

All of this is having a significant impact on the payments industry. Companies that process card payments are seeing rapid growth. Despite the digital revolution, adopting electronic payment methods in Africa is still not widespread. Although cash use is diminishing, it remains the primary means of transaction in African nations. This shift will likely continue in the years ahead as more consumers and businesses move away from cash.

Here are trends shaping global payment processing:

Mobile wallets

As mobile commerce continues to grow, so does the demand for mobile wallets. A mobile wallet is a digital wallet that allows users to make payments and access their funds using a mobile device. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 1.31 billion proximity mobile payment transaction users (https://apo-opa.info/3ZpPcwV) worldwide, up from 950 million users in 2019.

The most popular type of mobile wallet is the smartphone wallet, which allows users to make payments and access their funds using their smartphone. Other mobile wallets include NFC wallets, which use Near Field Communication technology to enable contactless payments, and cloud-based wallets, which allow users to store their funds in the cloud and access them from any device. With more and more people using mobile devices to pay for goods and services, it is clear that mobile wallets are here to stay. As such, businesses must ensure they can accept payments via mobile wallets (https://apo-opa.info/3JVIxVx) to stay ahead of the competition.

Cryptocurrencies

The report indicates that the global payments market will grow to $847.59 billion in 2027 at a (CAGR) of 8.5%

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual tokens that use cryptography to secure their transactions and control the creation of new units. Besides that, Cryptocurrencies are often traded on decentralized exchanges and can also be used to purchase goods and services. Bitcoin remains the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, followed by Ethereum, Tether, Binance Coin, and Cardano.

Cryptocurrencies have seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by increased interest from retail and institutional investors. However, cryptocurrencies face scalability issues, regulatory uncertainty, and a lack of mainstream adoption. Nevertheless, the cryptocurrency industry is expected to grow in the coming years. 

As digital currencies continue to grow in popularity worldwide, Africa is emerging as a critical market for these new types of payments.

Global payment processing companies are noticing this trend and investing in African countries to tap into this growing market. Blockchain is a distributed ledger system that makes it difficult for anyone to hack or tamper with transactions. Reports indicate that In 2023, more than two dozen nations (https://apo-opa.info/3JXb7po) are expected to take a giant leap with the piloting of CBDCs. Several countries, such as Australia, Thailand, Brazil, India, South Korea, and Russia, already have plans to begin or further their pilot testing.

The growth of e-commerce

The e-commerce industry is expected to overgrow in the coming years. In 2023, the global e-commerce growth rate is expected to grow by 10.4%, bringing global e-commerce sales (https://apo-opa.info/40GSsoK) to $6.3 trillion.

Several factors will drive this growth:

1. The continued expansion of the internet and mobile devices.

2. The rise of social media and mobile commerce

3. The increasing popularity of online shopping.

In addition to this overall growth, there are a number of other trends that are shaping the global payment processing industry. These include the rise of alternative payment methods, the increasing use of mobile apps for payments (https://apo-opa.info/40JQDY8), and the growth of cross-border e-commerce. Alternative payment methods, such as digital wallets, are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek more convenient and secure ways to pay for online purchases.

Biometric authentication

The need for secure authentication methods grows as the world becomes increasingly digitised. Biometric authentication, which uses physical or behavioural characteristics to verify identity, is one of the most promising technologies.

Several factors are driving the adoption of biometric authentication in the payments industry.

  1. Consumers are becoming more comfortable with using biometrics for authentication. This is due to the widespread use of smartphone fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology.
  2. Biometric authentication offers higher security than traditional methods like passwords and PINs. It is much harder for criminals to steal someone’s identity or to spoof their credentials.
  3. Biometric authentication is becoming more affordable as the technology continues to mature. This is important for financial institutions that must balance security concerns with cost considerations.
  4. Some major payment processors are beginning to support biometric authentication. Some companies like Mastercard notably unveiled fingerprint and iris scanning (https://apo-opa.info/3zdzyKa) into their global network and have embraced biometric authentication.
  5. Government regulations are starting to catch up with the times. This is likely to spur even greater adoption of biometric authentication in the payments sector in the future.

Global payment processing and regulation

The impact of regulation on payment processing (https://apo-opa.info/3lS4Kvu) is far-reaching. Compliance with regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is costly. In addition to the financial impact, compliance with these regulations imposes significant operational burdens on businesses. These requirements are challenging for small and medium-sized companies in particular.

Despite the challenges, businesses need to stay compliant with payment processing regulations. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines, reputational damage, and loss of business.

Conclusion

Global payment processing will be pretty different in the future from what it is today. As technology advances, we will see more secure and efficient payment methods. Additionally, the need for transparency and faster transactions are pushing forward global payment processing trends such as blockchain and fintech. With all these changes coming our way in 2023, businesses should stay competitive (https://apo-opa.info/3KdHdxx) in an ever-changing marketplace.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cellulant.

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Endorses Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, Catalyzing Growth in the Republic of Congo’s Energy Sector

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November 22, 2024

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African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber proudly supports the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, scheduled for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of Africa’s energy sector, proudly supports the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), set to take place in Brazzaville on March 25-26, 2025. Unveiled during African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town by the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons, this milestone event signals the nation’s commitment to strengthening its role as a key energy player on the continent, while showcasing a range of investment opportunities. 

Under the leadership of Hydrocarbons Minister Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, the Republic of Congo has emerged as sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth-largest oil producer, with anticipated production of 280,000 barrels per day (BPD) by the end of 2024 and ambitions to reach 500,000 BPD within three to five years. Building on this momentum, the CEIF will highlight innovative projects and foster strategic partnerships that enhance investment, drive economic growth and position the Congo as a leader in Africa’s energy expansion.

Meanwhile, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), led by CEO Maixent Raoul Ominga, is spearheading the Congo’s energy growth. SNPC holds a majority stake in the Mengo Kundji Bindi II permit, with 2.5 billion barrels of estimated oil potential. The company is developing the site through 13 wells, 3D seismic data acquisition, and the construction of six production platforms. 

We are honored to secure the Chamber’s endorsement for this pivotal forum

With the Chamber’s official support, the CEIF is set to attract government leaders, C-suite executives from major IOCs and energy experts, who will offer critical insights into Congo’s oil, gas and energy sector developments. The country is overhauling its gas sector to unlock 10 trillion cubic feet of resources through a comprehensive Gas Master Plan and new Gas Code that introduces favorable fiscal terms and enables small-scale project development, as well as large-scale, integrated gas megaprojects like Eni’s Congo LNG and Wing Wah’s Bango Kayo. 

“The Congo Energy & Investment Forum marks a major milestone for the country, amplifying its strategic energy initiatives and showing industry stakeholders that it is serious about advancing its energy sector. We look forward to supporting this forum, which promises to connect investors, drive impactful partnerships and elevate the Congo’s position within Africa’s energy sector,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

“We are honored to secure the Chamber’s endorsement for this pivotal forum, which, through its vast network and influence, will help attract key stakeholders and decision-makers to the event. Together, we aim to highlight the immense potential of the Congo’s energy sector, foster strategic partnerships and drive transformative investments that contribute to sustainable growth across the industry,” notes James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power, organizers of the CEIF.   

This premier forum provides a unique platform for connecting local and international investors with high-impact opportunities across a diversified range of energy projects, paving the way for collaborations that drive growth and transformation. The AEC’s endorsement underscores its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, sustainable investment and regional cooperation, aligning with its broader mission to make energy poverty history across the continent by 2030.  

As the energy industry continues to serve as a critical pillar of the Congolese economy and a catalyst for sustainable development, the AEC remains dedicated to supporting initiatives like CEIF that foster progress, investment and partnerships across the African energy landscape. 

For more information, please visit www.CongoEnergyInvestment.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Any Successful African Energy Policy at Conference of the Parties (COP) or Anywhere Must Have Oil and Gas at its Core (By NJ Ayuk)

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1 hour ago

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November 22, 2024

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Conference of the Parties

Africa will need global financial systems, including multilateral development banks, to play a significant role in financing our energy growth which must include fossil fuels

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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org).

I believe the ultimate responsibility for getting there is ours and no one else’s. Yes, we need partners to walk alongside us, but the success of our energy movement rests on African shoulders.

To begin with, I would love to see African energy stakeholders speaking in a unified voice about African energy industry goals.

This will be particularly important in COP29 in Baku. It is imperative that African leaders present a unified voice and strategy for African energy transitions. We must make Africa’s unique needs and circumstances clear and explain the critical role that oil and gas will play in helping Africa achieve net-zero emissions in coming decades.

I would encourage African leaders to talk about the need for financing, as well, to make it possible for us to adopt renewable energy sources and set up the necessary infrastructure. Africa will need global financial systems, including multilateral development banks, to play a significant role in financing our energy growth which must include fossil fuels.

Africa’s governments have a role to play in a successful African energy movement as well.

Because Africa’s energy industry still can benefit greatly from the presence of international oil companies, our government leaders need to approve contracts with oil and gas companies promptly instead of allowing red tape to delay projects after discoveries are made.

And, they need to offer the kinds of fiscal policies that allow oil companies to operate profitably in Africa. In turn, that will help those companies generate revenue, create jobs and business opportunities, and foster capacity building.

I also would encourage governments and civil societies to reward companies that exemplify positive behavior. Let’s incentivize the kind of activities we want, from creating good jobs and training opportunities to sharing knowledge.

I would love to see African energy stakeholders speaking in a unified voice about African energy industry goals

And there’s more.

We in Africa must work together to create more opportunities for women to build careers in the oil and gas industry at all levels. Our energy industry can’t reach its potential to do good when half of our population is left out. Our progress on behalf of women has not been great—We need to do better, and we need to act quickly.

How the world can support

Now, I mean it when I say Africans are responsible for building the future they want. But, I would love to see Western governments, businesses, financial institutions, and organizations support our efforts.

How? They can avoid demonizing the oil and gas industry. We see it constantly, in the media, in policy and investment decisions, and in calls for Africa to leave our fossil fuels in the ground. Actions like these, even as Western leaders have pushed OPEC to produce oil, are not fair, and they’re not helpful.

I also would respectfully ask financial institutions to resume financing for African oil and gas projects and stop attempting to block projects like the East African Crude Oil pipeline or Mozambique’s LNG projects.

Please understand that with the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis in Europe, and the energy poverty facing our continent, our countries, like many others, are simply choosing the paths they believe are most likely to help their people.

You know, people for years have accused me of loving oil and gas companies more than Africa. The opposite is true. In my frequent travels around the continent, I’ve observed far too many young people with little in the way of opportunities.

I know our young people have aspirations for a better future. I know they have big dreams. And, I know that future is nearly within their grasp.

A thriving, strategically managed energy industry can make it possible for many of these young people, whether it leads to good jobs or it fosters the kind of economic growth that creates jobs in other fields. Even if we only get the lights on in their communities, we’ll be giving our young people hope and improving their chances of realizing their goals.

This is what drives me, the idea that with our ongoing efforts and determination, our young people can realize meaningful opportunities. I encourage each of you to work with us at the African Energy Chamber, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Together, we can build the kind of African energy movement that our continent, our communities, and our young people need and deserve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN) and FORUS Digital Announce Strategic Cooperation to Advance Financial Innovation in Africa

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1 hour ago

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November 22, 2024

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UDPN

This partnership is set to empower African communities, governments, and businesses, and represents a significant step toward realising the shared goal of financial inclusion and economic advancement across Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 105 million adults are unbanked and lack proper identification documents (http://apo-opa.co/4fZNzyr) [1]. Over 350 million adults in Africa live on a cash-only basis (http://apo-opa.co/3Z2xBg6), without access to financial accounts, credit cards, or lending facilities. Digital currency systems could prove to be key in improving financial inclusion and opening up new opportunities to large underbanked communities in many African countries.

Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN) (https://apo-opa.co/4g0POSt), the world’s leading global payments messaging network supporting regulated stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and FORUS Digital (http://FORUS.Digital), a global leader in blockchain-based cooperative digital finance, are starting a strategic cooperation aimed at expanding financial inclusion and promoting tokenisation efforts across Africa.

This partnership is set to empower African communities, governments, and businesses, and represents a significant step toward realising the shared goal of financial inclusion and economic advancement across Africa, with blockchain and decentralised finance at the forefront of this transformation. UDPN and FORUS Digital will collaborate to introduce the UDPN platform’s capabilities throughout Africa, initially in South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Sonny Fisher (https://apo-opa.co/4fVmRXZ), Founder of FORUS Digital (https://apo-opa.co/3YWJRih), remarked “Our partnership with UDPN accelerates our vision of economic empowerment through decentralised finance. Together, we are equipping Africa with the tools to embrace blockchain-powered tokenisation and drive sustainable development.”

“As we stand on the brink of a digital payments revolution, UDPN’s collaboration with FORUS Digital will play a crucial role in shaping a future where financial services are accessible, efficient, and secure for all Africans. This partnership is a testament to our belief that technology can be a powerful tool for development. By working together, we are paving the way for innovative financial solutions that will enhance economic resilience in African communities,” commented Christopher Ortiz (https://apo-opa.co/3UYIb6M), Member of Group Executive Board – North America, UK and APAC, GFT (https://apo-opa.co/4eBennO).     

UDPN is a DLT-underpinned messaging backbone focused on providing interoperability between the fast-growing number of different regulated stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and CBDCs, and seamless connectivity between any business IT system and regulated digital currencies.

Earlier this year the UDPN team launched three solutions designed to reshape the landscape of digital payments and assets in the financial sector:

  • Tokenised Deposit/Stablecoin Management System: A production-grade system designed for both commercial banks and regulated stablecoin issuers, streamlining the entire lifecycle of tokenised deposits and stablecoin services – from issuance to operation, including advanced interoperability features.
  • Digital Asset Tokenisation System: Provides a robust production-grade platform for financial institutions, such as banks and investment firms, to tokenise real-world assets and manage them within a regulated environment.
  • UDPN All-in-One Digital Currency Sandbox: A sandbox, designed to enable both commercial and central banks to learn about the latest digital currency technology, test built-in use cases, and develop their own new custom use cases in a self-control and secure environment that the banks can control and provide permissioned access to other institutions in their ecosystem.

The UDPN aims to drive down payment and foreign exchange costs whilst accelerating the uptake of regulated digital currencies.

Over 130 countries [3] globally are currently investigating, developing, or have already launched CBDCs. On the African continent, South Africa, Nigeria, Eswatini and Ethiopia have taken the lead. FORUS Digital has positioned itself in Africa to help central banks and commercial banks in their journey towards CBDC using the UDPN All-in-One Digital Currency Sandbox.

Statista [4] indicated that the Digital Assets market in Africa is projected to reach a revenue of US$3,115.0m by 2024.  It indicates that Africa’s Digital Assets market specifically, the number of users is projected to reach 53.89m users by 2025.

Financial innovation is not limited to central banks. Citigroup’s launch of Citi Token Services and Societé Generale’s December 2023 announcement of their digital currency and asset services and the HSBC Orion platform are the most recent examples of how traditional financial institutions are making digital assets an essential part of their service offerings to their clients.

This partnership between UDPN and FORUS Digital will focus on helping central banks deploy a secure CBDC testing environment for creating use cases and defining new regulations. It will also help commercial banks manage their own tokenised deposit and stablecoin life cycle and integrate into the central bank digital currency testing environment. The programmability of value-added financial services will enable new business models and enhance the efficiency and transparency of cross-border payments.

This partnership is a major milestone in Africa’s digital financial transformation and the introduction of UDPN Solutions there will enable a variety of sectors to access secure, low-cost cross-border payments and tokenised financial products. By providing African governments and financial institutions with blockchain-driven tools, UDPN will support enabling an inclusive, scalable digital payments system for the African continent.

Learn more!

To learn more about the Universal Digital Payment Network (UDPN), please visit www.UDPN.io.

Together, we are equipping Africa with the tools to embrace blockchain-powered tokenisation and drive sustainable development

[1] https://apo-opa.co/4fZNzyr

[2] https://apo-opa.co/3Z2xBg6

[3] Atlantic Council’s CBDC Tracker (https://apo-opa.co/4ggoRKH)

[4] Statista (https://apo-opa.co/4fX9p5N)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FORUS Digital.

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