In a move to enhance digital payment options across Africa, Paystack has extended its “Pay With Apple Pay” feature to include users in Cote D’Ivoire and South Africa. This expansion follows its initial launch in Nigeria two years ago and subsequent introduction in Ghana last year.
Integration into Paystack’s Payment Gateway
The integration of Apple Pay into Paystack’s payment gateway enables merchants in five African nations – Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, and Kenya – to accept payments from users in countries supporting Apple Pay, such as the US, UK, Canada, and several African nations. Merchants must activate international payments to facilitate transactions, even if their payment channels accept currencies like GHS, NGN, KES, ZAR, and USD. Notably, only traders in Nigeria and Kenya can utilize USD.
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Users with existing Apple Pay accounts and cards added to their devices can now see the Apple Pay payment option when making purchases. However, only cardholders at participating banks in supported countries are eligible for this service.
With Apple Pay, customers can validate transactions using Touch ID or Face ID, eliminating the need for manual input of payment information. This streamlined process enhances convenience and security for users during transactions.
Paystack’s Expansion Journey
Founded in 2015 by Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi, Paystack entered the African market in March 2021, starting in South Africa. The fintech venture was later acquired by Stripe in 2020. Paystack enables businesses to accept payments locally and internationally, contributing to the growth of digital commerce across the continent.
Since its inception, Paystack has expanded its operations to include six additional African countries: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Rwanda. The company recently obtained operating licenses in Egypt and Rwanda, and established partnerships with financial institutions in Côte d’Ivoire to offer financial services.
In Nigeria, Paystack pioneered the “Pay With Apple Pay” feature, becoming the first payment gateway in the country to support this service. This integration provided Nigerian businesses with access to Apple Pay’s extensive user base, spanning over 60 countries.
Paystack’s expansion of the “Pay With Apple Pay” feature underscores its commitment to enhancing digital payment options across Africa. By leveraging innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, Paystack continues to drive the growth of digital commerce and financial inclusion on the continent.