"The potential for digital services in Africa is still largely untapped" - Yolande Steyn

Yolande Steyn

VAS Africa spoke to Yolande Steyn, CEO eWallet Solutions, FBN, to hear her thoughts on the mobile money and digital payments sector and the future of digital services in Africa.

Yolande will be taking part in a panel discussion on Tuesday 30 June, Day One of VAS Africa, creating sustainable and viable mobile financial services. For more information, view the agenda and register here to secure your place at the event.

What is the future of digital services in Africa and what do you think are the top three major trends affecting your business in the region?

The potential for digital services in Africa is still largely untapped but remains large. Due to the pervasiveness of mobile phones, digital will be phone-led, but with some unique local adaptations of the business models. Smartphones will soon be the leader of the pack, but without consistent, affordable, quality broadband data services, it will be curtailed in the potential impact it could have.

M-commerce can now start finding its feet on the continent, but the success of mobile e-commerce is limited by infrastructural challenges as well (roads, logistics, customer support, etc.), specifically in the realm of physical goods. Thus, with the current limitations, virtual services will probably be the most successful.

What FNB products and services in the mobile money and digital payments sector are you most excited about at the moment?

The success of eWallet has shown that there is still massive scope for mobile money remittances as an entry point for mobile money in a country. The challenge lies in creating further financial services adoption off the back of it.

I am very excited about what we can achieve with the next phase of the eWallet. Also, using supplementary technologies such as self-service terminals, ATMs and other mobile applications we can further augment the value proposition.

FNB has many mobile services, such as the App, Cellphone Banking, InContact, etc. but what excites me most is that we still see them all as relevant and growing. With the widespread in our market from affluent to more entry-level, it is exciting that we can be relevant and helpful to all our customers, not just ones with smartphones.

Any particular current or recent projects/success stories that you want to share?

Currently, we are piloting our eWallet cards, and I am super excited as to the potential these cards could have for eWallet recipients.

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