As Africa’s payments ecosystem continues to evolve, contactless technology is emerging as a critical driver of speed, security, and convenience for both consumers and merchants. Leading this transformation is Verve, Africa’s foremost domestic payment card and digital token brand, which is accelerating adoption through its rapidly growing network of contactless solutions.

With over 30 million Verve contactless cards issued to date, the company has made remarkable progress in simplifying everyday payments. Whether at supermarkets, fuel stations, airport terminals, or restaurants, Verve’s contactless cards are enabling faster, more secure transactions across Nigeria and other key African markets.

A standout feature of Verve’s offering is its extensive acceptance footprint. Today, the contactless cards are accepted at about 90% of payment terminals across retail outlets nationwide. This high level of integration not only enhances user convenience but also reflects the strength of Verve’s merchant network and its strategic partnerships with financial institutions and fintech providers.

Verve’s Tap-and-Go solution is engineered to streamline the payment experience while maintaining rigorous security standards. Every transaction is powered in compliance with global security protocols and offering users both protection and ease of use.

The company’s investment in contactless infrastructure is guided by a clear strategy: to reduce payment friction and enhance transaction speed, without compromising security. This includes close collaboration with banks, fintechs, and merchants to enable seamless integration and consistent service delivery across the payment value chain.

In a region where terminal inefficiencies and payment delays can impact business performance, Verve’s approach is already creating measurable value. For merchants, shorter queues and increased transaction throughput improve customer service and operational efficiency. For consumers, faster payments enhance satisfaction and build trust in digital payment channels.

What sets Verve apart is its thoughtful adaptation of technology to local market realities. For example, the requirement for PIN verification after tapping adds an extra layer of security, addressing consumer concerns around fraud and unauthorised transactions. This localization of global standards reflects Verve’s commitment to innovation that is both secure and contextually relevant

Industry analysts project sustained growth in contactless adoption across Africa, driven by mobile-first populations that increasingly demand fast, secure, and reliable transaction experiences. Verve’s early leadership in this space firmly positions it as a key enabler in Africa’s payment transformation journey.

As the company scales its infrastructure and deepens strategic partnerships across markets, Verve remains focused on delivering seamless, secure, and inclusive payment solutions, meeting the rising demand for digital financial services across the continent.

This contactless push is part of a broader innovation strategy, as Verve continues to invest in customer-centric technologies that align with global best practices while addressing the unique needs of African markets.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Companies sending bulk international text messages, also known as Application-to-Person (A2P) messages, will now have apply for a licence that costs N10 million.

This is part of new rules introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) aimed at cleaning up the system, fighting fraud, blocking spam messages and stopping money from leaving the country unchecked.

These A2P messages are the kind customers get from banks, online stores, hospitals and political campaigns, automated texts sent from apps to their phones.

According to the commission, the bulk international text message system has been poorly regulated, allowing misuse and invasion of privacy.

“The International SMS Service Ecosystem in Nigeria has not been fully brought under regulatory control. It has been observed that the excessive use of the Short Message Service has led to fraud, spam and illegal activities,” the NCC said.

The regulator warned that without action, the problem would worsen as more people use mobile phones and digital services.

To solve this, the NCC is creating a central platform, or gateway, through which all international bulk text messages must pass through.

The agency said this would help to monitor messages in real time, ensure proper fees are paid, and make sure the money stays in Nigeria where it can contribute to the economy.

As part of the incoming change, service providers must follow strict rules, including strong data protection, spam filters, and message encryption.

Also, they must also work with local mobile networks and make sure all messages come from a verified sender.

The NCC warned that any message without a proper sender ID will be blocked and not delivered to users.

To protect users from unwanted texts, the new rules say companies must get clear permission before sending any promotional content.

The rule also says people must also be able to choose whether they want to receive such messages or not.

Companies are now required to keep records of all messages for at least six months and must clearly state all charges involved.

The NCC said fees for help requests, cancellations, or service info must be transparent and not include hidden charges.

The commission will issue licences to several providers to encourage healthy competition but may limit new licences if needed. Only companies that show they can stop fraud and safely deliver messages will be allowed to operate. They must also regularly report their message traffic and finances to the NCC.

It warned that any company that breaks the rules risks getting fined, suspended, or having its licence revoked. Offences like charging illegal tariffs, ignoring security rules, or avoiding taxes will be punished, the NCC said.

The commission added that the new rules follow the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and support the federal government’s goal of strengthening cybersecurity and controlling Nigeria’s digital space. The framework will also be reviewed from time to time to keep up with new technology and market trends.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025 has scaled second reading in the Senate following the lead debate on the general principles of the bill sponsored by Mf Shuaib Salisu during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.

Leading the debate, the Ogun State lawmaker said the bill holds immense promise for our nation and the future of its younger workforce.

The Nigerian government has set its sight on being a $1 trillion economy and plans on using digital technologies to attain this target.

Speaking at plenary, the lawmaker said that the bill was read for the first time on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and that it would provide the necessary framework towards economic growth.

“The legislation seeks to establish a structured and comprehensive legal framework for the development and regulation of National Digital Economy and e-Governance system.

“As a crucial step and strategic pillar for 21st century governance, economic diversification and national competitiveness, harnessing the potentials of our digital economy.”

Mr Salisu said that the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, 2025, sought to establish a comprehensive legal framework for secure electronic transactions.

“Responsible technology deployment and digitised governance. It institutionalises e-government, introduces ethical governance for Al and emerging technologies.”

He also said that as countries around the world accelerate their digital transitions, Nigeria must act decisively to modernise its digital ecosystem.

“This Bill is a strategic instrument to that end, ensuring our institutions, economy and citizens are prepared for the demands and opportunities of a digital future.”

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Mr Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary said that the bill was geared towards the improvement of Nigeria’s economy.

He said the upper chamber would provide it backing to such a bill that would drive growth and development.

He, thereafter, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further legislative actions and report back in four weeks.