ABSA Launches Mobi Tap to Revolutionise Digital Payments for Zambian SMEs

ABSA Zambia has unveiled its Mobi Tap Payment Solution, a smartphone-based digital payment system designed to simplify transactions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and vendors across the country. The launch took place at ABSA House in Lusaka, with government officials, partners, and the media in attendance.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Technology and Science, Mr. George Matulula, Acting Director of Human Resource Administration, highlighted Mobi Tap as a transformative innovation aligned with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2025.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to financial inclusion, particularly for women, youth, rural communities, and SMEs, describing digital transformation as “not a luxury—it is a necessity.”

Mr. Matulula outlined key government initiatives supporting digital adoption, including:

• The national AI strategy to accelerate digital transformation.
• Scholarships and mentorships in STEM, alongside upgrading trade schools.
• Launch of smart villages with renewable energy and internet access.
• US$120 million World Bank funding for digital public infrastructure.
• Expansion of 4G/5G coverage to 90% of the population by year-end.
• K3 billion investment in research and development.

Mrs. Mizinga Melu, Managing Director of ABSA Zambia, described Mobi Tap as a “game-changing” solution that converts smartphones and portable devices into mobile point-of-sale terminals. She highlighted its benefits for SMEs and entrepreneurs:

• NFC-enabled smartphone payments.
• Cost-efficient, reducing hardware requirements.
• Secure and scalable, supported by Visa’s infrastructure.
• Inclusive, enabling card and mobile money acceptance across networks.

Mrs. Melu noted that SMEs constitute 97% of Zambia’s businesses, contributing 70% of GDP and 88% of employment. She called on every SME to adopt Mobi Tap as a gateway to growth, acknowledging partners such as TIGMO Zambia, which has already onboarded over 100 bikers using the solution.

The launch of ABSA Mobi Tap represents a significant step in Zambia’s digital transformation journey, combining innovative fintech solutions with government-backed initiatives in infrastructure, STEM education, and inclusive economic growth. The partnership between ABSA, government, and private stakeholders is expected to scale the solution nationwide, making digital payments simple, secure, and accessible for all.