Kenya is a world leader and among the pioneers when it comes to mobile payments; and what better country for Norwegian developer Opera Software to launch its web payment platform OPay?
Opera Software has an integrated web payment platform – OPay – that also runs on its (people’s favorite) mobile browser, the Opera Mini. Using OPay Kenyans can now use the balance therein to top up their mobile airtime, pay utility bills like electricity and pay TV among other utilities.
OPay is said will accommodate multiple payment options like debit/credit cards and mobile money options like M-Pesa and Airtel Money. As a means to attract users onto the platform, Opera Software is running a promotional campaign that will see first-time users get 100% bonus of up to Ksh. 200 upon their first deposit into the OPay wallet. This bonus amount can then be used to purchase mobile airtime or pay for other services via the portal.
Additionally, for every airtime purchase users make via OPay, they will get an extra 20% cashback in the form of credits deposited to their web wallet. The credits are similar to the credits users earn whenever they deposit money into their wallet using wallet. Users can then use the earned credits to pay for services or purchase mobile airtime.
Opera is mainly targeting small businesses and individual consumers as the primary users of its web-based payment platform OPay. In Africa, small businesses (especially in the informal sector) play a critical roll in the GDP of some of the countries. For that reason, Opera feels and efficient payment platforms will go a long way towards hastening economic growth.
“This mobile payment technology integrated into the Opera Mini browser will help Kenya continue the highest rate of mobile payment technology adoption in the world. More than 80 percent of the country’s population with access to a cell phone use it to pay for goods and services,” says Nuno Sitima, Executive Vice President of Payments and Fintech, Opera Software AS.
“However, the challenges of long distances, difficult terrain and large rural populations who often lack access to formal banking systems are all addressed with OPay and the reach of the Opera Mini browser. Our ultimate goal is to fuel the growth of African businesses through a simple, affordable solution that can encompass many payment methods in one easy-to-use app.”