IBA Group introduces SoftPOS technology in Africa

tapXphone turns an NFC-enabled Android smartphone into a payment terminal.

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IBA Group implemented in Nigeria its payment solution tapXphone based on the SoftPOS technology. The solution transforms an ordinary smartphone into a payment terminal. Nigeria, the world's sixth-most populous country, became the first in Africa to experience the benefits of paying via smartphone.

In the African region, IBA Group collaborates with GigaNet, a company that offers consulting services in finance, analytics and IT. Aimed at promoting mobile payment technologies, the partnership will contribute to the development of the digital payment ecosystem in the region and to the expansion of access to financial services for Nigerians.

Val Nwabueze, CEO of GigaNet, said: “The strategic partnership between GigaNet and IBA Group provides merchants, banks and service providers with a convenient and affordable means of receiving contactless payments using various payment methods directly from mobile phones and devices, while also providing enhanced visuals and information necessary for making informed business decisions.”

Built on the SoftPOS technology, tapXphone is a hardware-free digital payment platform that turns any NFC-enabled Android smartphone into a payment terminal. Using tapXphone, it is possible to accept contactless payments by Visa, MasterCard or other payment schemes. The solution is Visa- and MasterCard-certified. Transactions are also secured through certification by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), a global forum that brings together payments industry stakeholders to develop and drive adoption of data security standards and resources for safe payments worldwide. In addition, the platform achieved authorisation by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) for use in Nigeria, ensuring that payments made through the platform are as secure as those made through traditional banking terminals.

TapXphone has eco-friendly design, and provides paperless transactions and energy-efficient processes, promoting responsible business practices and significantly reducing the environmental footprint caused by traditional payment methods.

The introduction of tapXphone brings significant advantages to small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria, as they can save on purchasing POS terminals. The initiative promotes equality in access to financial services, diversifies Africa’s business landscape, and empowers small-scale enterprises and individuals by providing a modern and sustainable payment method that meets their unique needs.

IBA Group is on the lookout for more breakthrough projects that transform cities and rural areas into a smart environment.