Interswitch East Africa (Kenya) Limited, a leading player in Africa’s digital payments and commerce sector, has formed a strategic partnership with Elie Technologies Proprietary Limited (Elie Tech), also known as Tuma, to introduce Tumatap, an innovative contactless payment solution for merchants and customers across Kenya.
Tumatap is designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by enabling them to accept contactless payments using any Android, iOS smartphone, or feature phone, effectively transforming these devices into powerful point-of-sale (POS) systems without the need for additional hardware.
This partnership was facilitated by the approval Interswitch received from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to switch and process card transactions for Tumatap merchants. The collaboration leverages Elie Tech’s cutting-edge SoftPOS technology alongside Interswitch’s extensive experience in payment processing, providing a secure and seamless payment experience for both merchants and customers.
Peter Kawumi, Regional Managing Director of Interswitch East Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to financial inclusion through this partnership. “By leveraging our combined technological and operational strengths, we’re able to offer a superior payment experience for business owners and customers. This collaboration underscores our dedication to building a more inclusive financial ecosystem and transforming the payment landscape in Kenya,” said Kawumi.
Echoing this enthusiasm, Wesley Masinde, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Tuma Inc, stated, “Our collaboration with Interswitch is a significant milestone for MSMEs in Kenya. By integrating our innovative contactless SoftPOS technology with Interswitch’s robust switching and processing capabilities, we’re providing merchants with a powerful tool to streamline their payment processes and grow their businesses. This partnership is set to drive financial inclusion and empower small businesses across the country.”
Tumatap aligns with the growing preference for convenient, tap-to-pay solutions. Customers can simply tap their card or device on a merchant’s smartphone for quick and efficient checkouts. The solution also offers a cost-effective alternative to international processing systems by leveraging local switching.
Beyond enhancing customer experiences, this partnership will improve business operations by providing real-time transaction data, allowing merchants to monitor customer behavior and optimize their performance. This feature is particularly valuable for MSMEs, offering an affordable way to accept digital payments, reduce transaction costs, and boost operational efficiency.
The partnership between Interswitch and Elie Tech will cater to various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and more, ensuring businesses of all sizes can benefit from the innovative payment solutions provided.
This collaboration not only underscores Interswitch’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion but also solidifies its leadership in the African digital payments landscape. As Interswitch continues to expand and introduce new technologies, it remains dedicated to making digital payments accessible, secure, and beneficial for everyone.
Interswitch is a leading technology-driven company focused on digitizing payments across Africa. Founded in 2002, Interswitch has played a pivotal role in the continent’s financial ecosystem by introducing electronic payments processing and switching services. With a mission to make payments a seamless part of everyday life in Africa, Interswitch offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions, empowering communities and fostering economic growth.
Tuma Inc., a subsidiary of Elie Technologies Corporation, is a US-Congolese tech company revolutionizing payment infrastructure across Africa and other high-growth markets. Founded in 2022, Tuma provides innovative SoftPOS solutions, including its flagship product, Tumatap, which enables MSMEs to accept contactless payments directly through smartphones, driving financial inclusion and business growth.