PCI DSS – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:52:46 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png PCI DSS – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 Fintech, Globalization, and Borderless Banking – A Look at Afriex https://techeconomy.ng/fintech-globalization-and-borderless-banking-a-look-at-afriex/ https://techeconomy.ng/fintech-globalization-and-borderless-banking-a-look-at-afriex/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:52:46 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=166952 In an increasingly interconnected world, where physical borders are diminishing in significance, the financial sector is undergoing a profound transformation.

This evolution is largely driven by the rise of financial technology, or Fintech, which is reshaping the very nature of banking and making global financial transactions more accessible and efficient than ever before.

Just as globalization has brought people closer, Fintech acts as its indispensable financial counterpart, enabling seamless money movement across continents.

Prime examples of this revolutionary shift are platforms like Afriex, Remitly, Payoneer, Revolut and a host of others at the forefront of facilitating these crucial cross-border financial flows, especially for the African diaspora.

Historically, cross-border payments were often cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming. Traditional banking systems, while robust, were not designed for the instantaneous global commerce and personal connections that define our modern era.

Lengthy processing times, high transfer fees, and complex currency exchange mechanisms posed significant barriers for individuals and businesses operating internationally. However, Fintech innovations are dismantling these barriers, ushering in an age of truly borderless banking.

The core of this transformation lies in the ability of Fintech platforms to leverage digital infrastructure for direct, rapid, and often more affordable transactions.

These platforms bypass many of the legacy systems that historically slowed down international transfers, offering streamlined solutions that cater to the demands of a globalised economy.

This is particularly impactful for emerging markets and the African diaspora, where the need for efficient remittance services and international business payments is critical.

Consider a platform like Afriex, which has demonstrated remarkable growth in addressing these needs.

With over $10 billion in processed transactions since its inception, and serving more than 5 million users globally, Afriex exemplifies the power of Fintech in bridging geographical divides.

It offers features such as recurring payments and scheduled transfers, allowing users to manage international bills and subscriptions with unprecedented ease.

The introduction of global accounts that enable users to receive money in major currencies like USD or EUR, and then convert or send it in multiple other currencies, is another testament to this shift.

These innovations mean that individuals and businesses can receive international payments directly into their accounts, hold funds, make transfers, or withdraw money, all within a single application.

Afriex is becoming a major player in global fintech with a strategic cross-border expansion. The company’s Global Accounts feature is a seamless financial bridge between continents, letting users receive and manage funds in international currencies. This directly addresses the high cost and complexity of international transfers.

Geographically, Afriex is rapidly expanding across Africa. Four new countries, Benin, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, and Uganda, have joined Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia, making it a total of eight countries where users can send money to over 18 countries in Africa, as well as to the UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia. The platform is also making significant inroads into Asia, positioning itself to cater to the growing remittance and trade corridors.

This multi-pronged approach demonstrates a focus on B2B services and a commitment to creating a truly borderless financial ecosystem.

By offering seamless, low-cost solutions, Afriex is empowering individuals and businesses to operate on a global scale. This is a critical step towards financial inclusion and a more interconnected world.

Furthermore, the rise of multi-currency wallets allows users to swap, hold, and send money in various currencies, enhancing financial flexibility. This is particularly crucial for supporting inter-African trade.

By enabling seamless transfers between countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, platforms like Afriex are directly contributing to the growth of regional commerce.

For instance, a small business in Lagos can easily pay a supplier in Nairobi, or an individual in Accra can send money to family in Johannesburg, bypassing traditional hurdles and significantly reducing transaction costs.

This facilitation of intra-African transfers connects a wider network of African nations, as well as to destinations in Canada, India, and Pakistan, fostering economic integration and unlocking new opportunities within the continent.

The impact extends beyond convenience. Fintech companies are increasingly focused on offering competitive pricing and transparent fees, often displaying real-time exchange rates to users. This transparency, combined with lower costs compared to traditional methods, empowers users to make more informed financial decisions and retain more of their hard-earned money.

Security is also a paramount concern, with leading platforms like Afriex adhering to stringent standards like PCI DSS compliance, ensuring secure systems and reducing the risk of data breaches.

This commitment to security builds trust and encourages wider adoption, essential for the continued expansion of borderless banking.

The ongoing evolution of Fintech, driven by the forces of globalization, points towards a future where financial transactions are as fluid and instantaneous as digital communication.

This new paradigm of borderless banking is not just about moving money; it’s about fostering greater financial inclusion, enabling global commerce, and strengthening economic ties across the world, with innovators like Afriex leading the charge.

The growth of Fintech in Africa is particularly noteworthy, given the continent’s unique financial landscape. A significant portion of the population, estimated to about 57%, remains unbanked or underbanked, and traditional financial infrastructure can be limited.

Fintech solutions, especially those leveraging mobile technology, have stepped in to fill this gap, offering financial services to millions who were previously excluded.

This surge in financial inclusion is a powerful driver of economic development, empowering individuals and small businesses to participate more fully in the global economy.

The ability to send and receive money easily, often through mobile phones, facilitates everything from daily transactions to supporting family abroad and growing entrepreneurial ventures.

Beyond remittances, Fintech platforms are enabling diverse financial activities. Features like recurring payments and scheduled transfers simplify managing international expenses, subscriptions, or even supporting recurring donations.

The convenience of global accounts, where users can receive funds in major currencies like USD or EUR and then convert or send them in various local currencies, caters to the diverse needs of a globally connected population.

For individuals living in the US or Canada, or within the African countries where Afriex operates, creating a free personal USD account to receive international payments and easily send them to their local currency streamlines financial management.

This allows for greater control and flexibility over funds, bypassing the complexities often associated with traditional international banking.

The increasing adoption of multi-currency wallets further enhances financial flexibility, allowing users to swap, hold, and send money in multiple currencies. This is particularly beneficial for travelers within Africa, enabling them to make local purchases and pay for services directly from their debit card or wallet without the inconvenience of currency exchanges or carrying large amounts of cash.

This ease of use not only simplifies personal travel but also supports the burgeoning tourism and service industries across the continent.

The impact of Fintech on inter-African trade cannot be overstated. Efficient, low-cost cross-border payment systems are essential for businesses operating across African nations.

By reducing the friction and cost associated with these transactions, Fintech platforms lower barriers to trade, encouraging more frequent and larger exchanges of goods and services between African countries. This fosters economic integration, builds regional supply chains, and unlocks the vast potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The ability to seamlessly send money from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to a wide array of African countries, including Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, Egypt, and many others, directly into bank accounts, mobile money wallets, or Afriex wallets, is a testament to this transformative power. This financial infrastructure is crucial for nurturing a vibrant and interconnected African economy.

The commitment to transparent pricing and low fees is another cornerstone of this new era of borderless banking. Users can see the current exchange rate on the app and website, ensuring transparency and enabling them to make informed decisions.

This stands in stark contrast to opaque traditional banking fees that can erode the value of international transfers. Furthermore, the focus on robust security measures, such as PCI DSS compliance, assures users that their financial data is protected, building confidence in digital financial services.

This emphasis on trust and security is paramount for driving widespread adoption and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Fintech growth.

Looking ahead, the collaboration between Fintech companies, traditional financial institutions, and regulatory bodies will be crucial for sustained growth and innovation.

As these technologies mature, there will be increasing opportunities for partnerships that combine the reach and regulatory compliance of established banks with the agility and innovation of Fintech startups.

This synergy can lead to even more comprehensive and accessible financial services for a globalized world.

The future of banking is undoubtedly borderless, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand for seamless, efficient, and affordable financial connectivity, with companies like Afriex playing a pivotal role in shaping this future.

*Dr. Robert Ekat is a media practitioner and public commentator, focusing on business and tech.

]]>
https://techeconomy.ng/fintech-globalization-and-borderless-banking-a-look-at-afriex/feed/ 0
Olla Systems Achieves PCI DSS Certification https://techeconomy.ng/olla-systems-achieves-pci-dss-certification/ https://techeconomy.ng/olla-systems-achieves-pci-dss-certification/#comments Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:17:17 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=162402 Olla Systems, a leading provider of cloud and IT infrastructure solutions, has achieved Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification – an internationally recognized benchmark for safeguarding cardholder data.

This milestone underscores Olla Systems’ commitment to the highest standards of information security and regulatory compliance, particularly for clients in the financial services, e-commerce, and digital payments sectors.

PCI DSS is a globally mandated standard designed to protect cardholder data during processing, storage, and transmission.

Achieving this certification demonstrates that Olla Systems has implemented rigorous security controls, including network protection, data encryption, access management, monitoring, and vulnerability management – all designed to reduce risk and prevent data breaches.

“With PCI DSS certification, we’re reinforcing our role as a trusted infrastructure partner for businesses that handle sensitive financial information: financial institutions, manufacturing companies, government entities, fast-growth startups and fintechs, among many others,” said Mrs. Olusola Adenuga, chief executive officer, Olla Systems. “It’s not just about compliance – it’s about providing peace of mind to our clients that their data is protected by globally accepted security best practices.”

The certification positions OllaCloud, the company’s flagship enterprise-grade cloud platform, as an ideal solution for fintechs, digital banks, payment processors, and online merchants looking to meet stringent regulatory requirements without compromising on performance, availability, or scalability.

Purpose-built to serve regulated industries and high-growth businesses, OllaCloud offers secure Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) across Nigeria, enabling clients to confidently migrate workloads, launch compliant applications, and scale operations while ensuring end-to-end data protection.

“As we continue to support Africa’s digital economy, PCI DSS compliance helps us better serve organizations in need of infrastructure that meets both their growth ambitions and their regulatory responsibilities, and doing this while being able to pay in local currency,” Mrs. Adenuga added.

With this certification, Olla Systems reaffirms its mission to deliver secure, high-performance, and locally compliant cloud infrastructure for businesses across Africa and the Middle East.

As cybersecurity threats grow and regulatory demands increase, clients can rely on Olla Systems for resilient, enterprise-grade solutions built on trust, transparency, and global best practices.

The company offers local private cloud solutions tailored to high-performance needs – from fast-growing startups to large-scale enterprises.

]]>
https://techeconomy.ng/olla-systems-achieves-pci-dss-certification/feed/ 1
Is the ‘Pay with Transfer’ Service (A2A) a Game Changer for Merchant Acquiring? – by Banji Kayode https://techeconomy.ng/is-the-pay-with-transfer-service-a2a-a-game-changer-for-merchant-acquiring-by-banji-kayode/ https://techeconomy.ng/is-the-pay-with-transfer-service-a2a-a-game-changer-for-merchant-acquiring-by-banji-kayode/#comments Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:40:46 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=156196 I remember back in the day when money transfers used to be a hassle. It wasn’t as easy as we have it now.

Then, we had to go to the bank very early and sometimes still wait in line for long hours to deposit. But now, it is not the case.

The introduction of digital payments has made it easy to perform bank transfers from the convenience of the sender’s phone using a bank app or USSD.

This payment method has gained widespread adoption by both physical and online stores in Nigeria.

With the repeated inquiry of “Can I pay with a transfer?” businesses have recognised that this payment method is popular with customers.

Some of them now even have the “Pay with transfer” sign displayed in their stores as a prominent payment method.

Though this method of payment has been widely accepted, is it truly a game changer for merchants acquiring? Let’s investigate what merchant acquiring entails and how the Pay with Transfer Service affects them.

What is merchant Acquiring

Merchant acquiring refers to the process through which financial institutions, known as acquirers, provide services to merchants for accepting card payments. This involves setting up the necessary infrastructure for processing credit and debit transactions, including point-of-sale systems and payment gateways.

Acquirers also aggregate and separate those payments and then send them to card issuers, normally via the respective card system networks known as interchange.

Merchant Acquiring
Image Source: emerchantpay

Traditional merchant acquiring relied heavily on POS terminals and card payments. This method is effective, no doubt, but it incurs processing fees and delays in fund settlement. The rise of mobile wallets, QR codes, and direct transfers has challenged this system with an alternative model that promises efficiency and saves costs.

According to the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the total value of instant payment transactions reached N1.07 quadrillion in 2024, a 79.6% increase from N600 trillion in 2023. That is such an incredible spike. Don’t you think?

Even with this huge growth, the Business Research Company estimates that the market size aims to scale from $25.48 billion in 2024 to $28.2 billion in 2025 at a compound annual rate of 10.9%. Well, this is currently 2025, and we cannot wait for the massive increase and the benefits that come with it.

Oh, and there is also a hint of rapid growth in the next few years. It is expected to scale up to $42.16 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%.

Merchant Acquiring
Image Source: Business Research Company

The increasing demand for digital payment keeps propelling the growth of merchant acquisition. With the many advantages that businesses gain from it, adopting efficient payment solutions is no longer an option.

However, even with its advantages, there are still some challenges and limitations involved, which we’ll be looking into soon. For now, let’s explore the benefits of retail and online stores.

Advantages for Retail and Online Stores

Paying with transfer service in merchants acquisition benefits retail and online stores in numerous ways, including increased sales, improved cash flow, enhanced customer experiences, and better security, among others, making it a necessary aspect of modern commerce.

Let’s take a more detailed look at the advantages:

  • Global Reach—With merchant acquisition, online stores can accept payments in several currencies. This method facilitates international transactions, expands their customer base, and gives them more global recognition.
  • Increased Sales—This model also allows retail stores to cater to a wider customer base and potentially increase sales through the acceptance of several payment methods. You know, customers are more likely to purchase if their preferred payment method is available.
  • Access to actionable Insights—Since merchant acquirers provide detailed transaction data, businesses can analyse customer behaviour and preferences. This analysis allows them to make better decisions and develop better marketing strategies.
  • Enhanced Security—The vulnerability of online shopping to fraud is at an all-time high, so merchant acquiring is beneficial in this case because it provides security measures to protect both businesses and customers.
  • Better Customer Experience—Your customers get to experience hassle-free shopping when they have the liberty to shop and make payments using their preferred payment method. This leads to a better customer experience, which, in turn, can ensure that the shoppers come back for more.
  • Faster access to Funds—Pay with transfer service provides merchants with quicker experience and access to their money, compared to traditional payment methods, as bank transfers can be processed faster.
  • Increased Cash Flow—With merchant accounts, there’s a rapid payment authorisation. This means that money reaches your accounts more quickly. Sales are usually deposited within one or two working days, as opposed to individually billing your customers and waiting up to 30 days or more to receive payments.
  • Greater Control and Flexibility—Merchant acquiring allows these businesses to gain control over the entire payment processing system. This control includes handling transaction disputes and customising payment solutions to meet specific needs.

Now that we’ve outlined some of the advantages let’s move over to the challenges and limitations involved in acquiring a merchant account.

Challenges and Limitations

In as much as this model provides numerous benefits, maintaining a seamless merchant payment system comes with its share of challenges. They include:

  • Compliance and Regulatory Challenge—Payment systems must comply with several global and regional regulations such as GDPR, PCI DSS, and local tax laws. For both acquirers and merchants, these requirements can be too overwhelming to handle.
  • Integrating Payment Systems—Most times, merchants require payment systems that are multiple-channel supportable—online, in-store, and mobile. However, combining all these systems into one unified solution is difficult and can lead to compatibility problems.

As we can see, the challenges and limitations do not surpass the advantages and benefits, which can only mean one thing—digital payment is truly a game changer for merchant acquiring in retail and online stores. With Pay with Transfer services, customers can initiate bank transfers directly to a merchant’s account with ease.

Meet Banji A. Kayode

The writer, Banji A. Kayode, is a seasoned expert in merchant acquiring and financial technology, with a strong background in payment system infrastructure for banks and major operators. With extensive experience in digital payments, he has played a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion and fostering innovation within the fintech ecosystem.

A recognised thought leader, Banji provides insightful commentary on digital financial services, emerging payment technologies, and industry trends.

Beyond payments, he is a trusted advisor to fintech startups, offering strategic guidance on product development, go-to-market strategies, and regulatory compliance. His deep industry expertise and hands-on approach have helped startups scale and navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.

]]>
https://techeconomy.ng/is-the-pay-with-transfer-service-a2a-a-game-changer-for-merchant-acquiring-by-banji-kayode/feed/ 10
OADC Texaf – Kinshasa Achieves Triple Certification Milestone https://techeconomy.ng/oadc-texaf-kinshasa-achieves-triple-certification-milestone/ https://techeconomy.ng/oadc-texaf-kinshasa-achieves-triple-certification-milestone/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:19:25 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=152440 In another first for the DRC, Open Access Data Centres (OADC) Texaf – Kinshasa has attained three prestigious certifications: ISO 27001, ISO 22301 and PCI DSS.

This remarkable pioneering achievement underscores OADC Texaf – Kinshasa’s steadfast commitment to delivering secure, resilient and world-class digital infrastructure services in the DRC that meet stringent global standards.

ISO 27001, the globally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), validates that OADC Texaf – Kinshasa has implemented robust measures for its information security management, demonstrating its ability to reassure clients of its information security integrity.

This certification also underpins the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Certification.

PCI-DSS compliance establishes the data centre as a trusted partner for the financial services and payments industry.

This globally recognised certification demonstrates adherence to stringent payments industry security protocols and controls, playing a key role in transforming the DRC’s financial and payments ecosystem.

It also provides critical reassurance in meeting the growing demands for financial inclusion among the DRC population.

Finally, ISO 22301 certification; the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) ensures uninterrupted service delivery and rapid recovery from unforeseen disruptions, providing clients with critical assurances of operational excellence and resilience – a cornerstone of trust and reliability for business demanding the utmost in operational integrity.

Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director of OADC Texaf - Kinshasa
Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director of OADC Texaf – Kinshasa

Mr. Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director of OADC Texaf – Kinshasa, remarked:

“Achieving ISO 27001, ISO 22301 and PCI DSS certifications is a testament to our unwavering dedication to operational excellence and client-centric service delivery. These milestones position OADC as a leader in secure and resilient digital infrastructure, supporting the growth of the DRC’s digital economy and fostering trust among local and international businesses.”

These certifications hold immense significance for OADC Texaf – Kinshasa’s diverse clientele, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecommunications carriers, enterprise clients, banks and other financial services companies.

By meeting and exceeding global standards, OADC Texaf – Kinshasa strengthens the foundation for secure and reliable digital services, enabling innovation and economic growth across the region.

This achievement also bolsters the DRC’s position as an emerging hub for digital infrastructure in Africa, attracting foreign investment and fostering confidence in the country’s digital transformation journey.

As the demand for secure, resilient and compliant data centre services grows, OADC Texaf – Kinshasa remains at the forefront, setting benchmarks for excellence and shaping the future of the digital economy in the DRC and central Africa.

]]>
https://techeconomy.ng/oadc-texaf-kinshasa-achieves-triple-certification-milestone/feed/ 0
Galaxy Backbone Attains PCI DSS Recertification https://techeconomy.ng/galaxy-backbone-attains-pci-dss-recertification/ https://techeconomy.ng/galaxy-backbone-attains-pci-dss-recertification/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:52:28 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=152435 Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigeria’s Digital Transformation company and IT services provider, has successfully attained PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) recertification, solidifying its commitment to maintaining the highest level of security and operational excellence in its service delivery.

Under the visionary leadership of Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Galaxy Backbone has continued to raise the bar in the provision of world-class digital solutions for both government and corporate sectors.

This recertification underscores GBB’s dedication to safeguarding sensitive financial data, mitigating cyber threats, and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The PCI DSS certification is a globally recognized benchmark for securing financial transactions, ensuring that organizations handling payment card information maintain the highest level of security.

“As an organization at the forefront of digital transformation and secure connectivity, achieving PCI DSS recertification reflects our unwavering commitment to data security, compliance, and international best practices,” said Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, managing director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone. “Our financial services partners and customers can continue to trust GBB to provide secure, resilient, and high-performance infrastructure that meets global regulatory requirements.”

By maintaining PCI DSS compliance, GBB continues to support financial institutions, government agencies, and businesses in ensuring secure digital transactions.

This milestone reinforces the company’s role as a trusted technology partner in Nigeria’s evolving digital and financial landscape.

The PCI DSS recertification also compliments our extensive portfolio of internationally recognized certifications, including ISO 20000, for Service Management Systems (SMS), ISO 27001 for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems (QMS), and ISO 22301 for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS).

These certifications reaffirm the organisation’s commitment to providing services that are secure, efficient, and in line with global best practices.

Galaxy Backbone recognises that providing excellent service goes beyond just compliance. It is about creating lasting value for corporations and government entities alike, delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive digital transformation, improve operational efficiency, and foster secure, reliable communication and data exchange.

Galaxy Backbone receives PCI DSS Recertification
Galaxy Backbone receives PCI DSS Recertification

With these certifications, Galaxy Backbone continues to benchmark itself against international standards, ensuring that we consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.

GBB’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and security is at the core of everything we do, empowering organizations to thrive in a digital-first world.

]]>
https://techeconomy.ng/galaxy-backbone-attains-pci-dss-recertification/feed/ 0
Why eCommerce is Thriving in South Africa https://techeconomy.ng/why-ecommerce-is-thriving-in-south-africa/ https://techeconomy.ng/why-ecommerce-is-thriving-in-south-africa/#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:12:51 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=129317 South Africa’s ecommerce sector is expected to exceed USD21 billion by 2025, with more than one billion transactions per year.

This is largely due to the proliferation of smart devices and the expansion of internet connectivity which has created a viable environment for eCommerce to thrive in the country.

Additionally, the increasing integration of ecommerce platforms with various advanced technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics is also significantly driving the growth of the South African ecommerce market.

As a result, the country is becoming a significant player in the global eCommerce industry.

Indeed, the rise of eCommerce in South Africa holds immense opportunities for businesses looking to enter the market.

Further, the development presents useful learning points for other countries, such as Nigeria and Kenya, among others, all of which this SeerBit whitepaper exhaustively explores.

Factors Driving eCommerce Growth in South Africa

eCommerce growth in South Africa has been driven by several factors, including increased internet access, improved payment options and the convenience and efficiency of online shopping.

1. Increased internet access:

Mobile penetration among South African consumers is higher than ever, as indicated by research results from a Geopoll survey conducted in 2020 showing that 45 percent of the South African population browsed the internet on their smartphones for more than four hours a day.

The study also revealed that South Africa is one of the biggest adopters of mobile technology in sub-Saharan Africa, with higher rates of smartphone adoption than in most other countries in the region.

In terms of total numbers, there are 46.9 million smartphone subscriptions in South Africa, which accounts for users who have multiple phones. As of January 2024, there were 45.34 million active internet users in South Africa.

2. Convenience and efficiency of online shopping:

For South African consumers, convenience is key when it comes to choosing which online platforms to purchase from.

This reduced need to visit a physical store was also identified in a research paper published by Deloitte.

The research found that 26 percent of consumers in South Africa said they prefer to shop online because it is more convenient.

3. Improved payment options:

The integration of wallets, bank apps and shopping apps has made browsing through virtual shopping aisles easier than ever before.

Digital wallets have become an entry point for consumers to engage with financial services, thereby creating new opportunities to target the under-served banking population.

Also, as South Africans become more comfortable with the concept of online shopping, their appetite for eCommerce solutions continues to increase.

Overcoming Challenges Faced by eCommerce Businesses in South Africa

Despite South Africa’s strong eCommerce growth, the  WEF has noted  that eCommerce entrepreneurs are challenged by issues such as low consumer trust and e-skills, low internet penetration and affordability, uncompetitive delivery infrastructure, fragmented markets and barriers to cross-border e-payments.

1. Low Trust of Online Platforms

Many South Africans still do not trust online stores with their personal payment details. This stems from lack of knowledge about online payment systems and advanced security measures.

To overcome this mistrust, merchants should use a PCI DSS certified payment service provider (PSP) that meets high security standards and keeps customer information safe.

If customers understand how online fraud is prevented and the techniques that are used to prevent security breaches or fraud attempts, they are more likely to trust an eCommerce website with their payment information.

2. High Cost of Data and Internet Penetration

South Africans pay up to USD5.29 per gigabyte (GB) of data, a cost equivalent to nearly four hours work for people earning the minimum wage.

That compares with about USD1.53 per gigabyte in North Africa and USD2.47 in Western Europe, according to research by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation charity that highlights, among other topics, sub-Saharan Africa’s sky-high data costs.

The region has the world’s most expensive mobile data prices, according to the Worldwide Mobile Data Pricing 2021 report.

3. Issues with delivery infrastructure

Logistics is already a vital part of any retailer’s business plan, but its importance will continue to grow as the use of eCommerce for transactions increases. For stores to be efficient, they must be able to respond quickly and accurately to be able to deliver the correct products to customers on time.

Now more than ever an efficient supply chain is needed that gives a high level of service across all channels.

The Role of Technology in Shaping South Africa’s eCommerce Landscape

Technology has become an integral part of every aspect of life, and the retail industry in South Africa is no exception.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, retailers are embracing innovative technologies to enhance the shopping experience and stay ahead of the competition.

Emerging technologies including contactless payments, virtual and augmented reality experiences, AI and mobile payments are all having a profound impact on eCommerce in the country.

Conclusion

The growth of South Africa’s ecommerce industry will likely surpass projections, thanks to the country’s growing appetite for online shopping.

The penetration of smartphones, access to data, increased number of platforms and products as well as evolving regulation supporting the industry are significant factors contributing positively to the growth of the industry.

There has never been a better time for businesses to enter the eCommerce market in South Africa.

This SeerBit whitepaper casts a deeper look at the trends, factors, future prospects and leading players transforming South Africa into the continent’s biggest eCommerce market.

Click HERE to access the full whitepaper.

]]>
https://techeconomy.ng/why-ecommerce-is-thriving-in-south-africa/feed/ 2
The Cybersecurity Frameworks Impact on Business Resilience https://techeconomy.ng/the-cybersecurity-frameworks-impact-on-business-resilience/ https://techeconomy.ng/the-cybersecurity-frameworks-impact-on-business-resilience/#respond Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:46:36 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=144256 Today’s complex and ever-changing digital environment has become a den of thieves, where every click and even day-to-day events in the cyber world pose a threat.

In this context, the call for robust cybersecurity has never been more urgent than today.

Businesses have unprecedented challenges to face regarding sensitive data protection, customer confidence, and continuity of business operations.

Cybersecurity frameworks have become irreplaceable tools, which do not just reinforce security postures but contribute greatly to the overall business resilience.

Understanding Cybersecurity Frameworks

Cybersecurity frameworks are organized directives that supply organizations with the best ways to handle cybersecurity risks and standards.

The noticeable ones include the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO/IEC 27001, and the CIS Controls. These give an organization a broad-based way of handling cybersecurity since they stipulate how to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.

Risk Management Enhancement

Perhaps one of the deepest impacts of adopting a cybersecurity framework is in making the practice of risk management far more effective. Instead, an organization will apply a standardized framework for consistently identifying where their vulnerabilities are and the potential threats that can take advantage of them.

This structured approach helps in prioritizing security measures based on risk levels to make efficient use of resources.

For example, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework urges organizations to perform periodic risk analysis studies. Such a proactive attitude allows them to foresee various types of dangers in a manner that equips them with reducing the risk before it becomes a huge problem.

This simply means they can continue doing business with greater confidence and maintain their activities freely and without fear from the cyber world .

Enhancing Compliance and Governance

Other factors contributing equally to business resilience include compliance with regulatory requirements. Organizations in various industries are faced with a myriad of regulations that are binding on the protection of data and personal information, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

Thus, implemented cybersecurity frameworks make it easier to align security practices with these many regulations.

This allows for a culture of accountability and governance in an organization to take root, based on some form of framework that is followed.

In cybersecurity, for example, the framework clearly elaborates on the roles and responsibilities of every employee in securing information.

This will not only help in enhancing compliance; it will also play a significant role in strengthening the general security posture of the organization.

Improving Incident Response and Recovery

Even with the best cybersecurity measures, no organization can be completely safe from a cyber-incident.

A well-outlined cybersecurity framework may go a long way in enhancing an organization’s ability to respond to and recover from a cybersecurity incident. Incident response planning can be guided by the framework, including how it detects, analyzes, and then responds to security incidents.

This advice helps them reduce the impact of cyber-attacks, decrease the time spent in downtime, and increase the recovery speed. For instance, incident response plans might position their workforce to handle a breach in a way that they are more likely to lock up vital business operations and customer information.

Building Resilience into Culture

Conclusively, cybersecurity frameworks go further than technical measures by anchoring the culture of an organization in resiliency.

Having cybersecurity as an element of the organization sends very clear messages about the importance of data security and infrastructure.

Security commitments can offer improved customer trust and loyalty due to the fact that clients are increasingly worried about how businesses handle their information.

Also, resilient culture brings about continuous improvement in order to emerge on top of threats. An organization that takes part in cybersecurity frameworks certainly remains ahead of trends and technological developments; thus, it will be in the frontline in its industry.

Thus, cybersecurity frameworks are central to developing business resilience in today’s complex cyber landscape. Helping improve risk management and compliance, ensuring better incident response capability-all these make the frameworks promising for equipping organizations with better navigational capabilities through the cyber threats.

As the digital world continues to evolve, embracing a robust cybersecurity framework secures not just your organizational assets but sets up the foundational premise for long-term success and sustainability within an increasingly connected world.

In a world of ever-changing threats, businesses must understand that resilience is not about surviving the incident, but rather thriving in spite of the incidents. These reasons suggest that implementation of the cybersecurity framework is a required means to reach such resilience.

About the writer:

Adeniji is an Information Security Officer specializing in risk management, security assessments, and ISO 27001 compliance. Proficient in third-party audits, security training, and policy development, he is dedicated to mitigating risks and managing security controls.

]]>
https://techeconomy.ng/the-cybersecurity-frameworks-impact-on-business-resilience/feed/ 0