Transforming In-Person Mobile Transactions
Safaricom and payment service provider Pesapal have rolled out contactless M-PESA features across point-of-sale (POS) terminals nationwide. By enabling Near Field Communication (NFC) technology on hardware such as Pesapal's N950s and N950u models, customers can complete purchases simply by tapping their smartphone against a merchant terminal. The system eliminates manual inputs for till numbers, paybills, or payment amounts, significantly accelerating the checkout workflow for physical retail stores.
The collaboration brings both tap-to-pay and dynamic scan-to-pay functionality to tens of thousands of merchant locations, including popular retail destinations like Java House and Artcaffé. After tapping or scanning, buyers verify payment details on their mobile screens and authorize the transfer using their M-PESA PIN via Safaricom's My OneApp. You can discover more tech developments across the continent on AfroTech Horizon.
Operational Benefits for Merchants and Shoppers
This contactless integration offers clear operational advantages for both consumers and businesses. By replacing manual entry steps, retail outlets experience shorter queues and faster processing times, allowing cashiers to serve customers with greater efficiency. In addition, automated payment requests substantially diminish the risk of errors and costly reversals triggered by mistyped details.
For Safaricom, expanding contactless acceptance across third-party terminals forms a crucial pillar of its broader strategy to modernise digital financial services. For further insights into fintech solutions across East Africa, visit AfroTech Horizon.
