Usama Elsayed,
BPC is hosting a two-day client conference in Cape Town to showcase new products, share technological innovations and explore solutions supporting digital transformation and financial inclusion across Africa.
South Africa remains an important market in the company’s strategy as financial institutions seek accessible, scalable payment technologies. Usama Elsayed, BPC’s Chief Operating Officer and Area Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted the need for solutions that address diverse community needs.
Bridging the financial inclusion gap
Rural and underserved communities, including those in Mpumalanga, often face barriers to banking services, including limited facilities, long travel distances and unreliable internet connectivity. BPC provides payment solutions designed for varied infrastructure and connectivity conditions.
“Financial inclusion is not simply about providing access to financial services; it is about ensuring that people can participate meaningfully in the digital economy, regardless of where they live,” Elsayed said.
He emphasised the importance of adapting technology to local circumstances.
“We need solutions that work in different environments, including communities where internet connectivity is limited. By adapting technology to local conditions, we can help bring essential financial services closer to the people who need them most,” he said.
Bringing banking services closer
BPC’s agency banking solutions enable trusted merchants, grocery stores and other local businesses to provide selected banking services on behalf of financial institutions. Customers can deposit and withdraw cash within their communities, reducing travel costs and improving convenience. The model can also support remote customer onboarding and electronic Know Your Customer verification, subject to regulatory requirements.
BPC’s mobile, cloud-based and software-as-a-service solutions support digital onboarding, account creation and financial management while helping small businesses and local organisations reduce upfront technology costs.
“Businesses need technology that is not only innovative but also practical and affordable,” Elsayed said.
Supporting digital payment systems
Operating in more than 150 countries, BPC provides payment technology through its flagship SmartVista platform. The company supports more than 15 national payment systems across the Middle East and Africa, contributing to electronic payment infrastructure.
The Cape Town conference gives clients an opportunity to explore BPC’s latest products, exchange industry insights and discuss emerging technologies that could address challenges in their markets.
Advancing africa’s digital fuure
BPC aims to strengthen collaboration with South African clients while supporting the development of digital payment ecosystems across Africa.
Elsayed said partnerships between technology providers and financial institutions were essential to expanding access to financial services.
“By working closely with our clients, we can develop technologies that support financial inclusion, improve access to payments and contribute to sustainable economic growth,” he said.
