Looking back at Wizzit’s journey, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. From our beginnings as a small idea to a respected player in payment solutions, the journey has been full of milestones that have shaped our growth. Along the way, we’ve introduced groundbreaking technologies and formed valuable partnerships that have helped us empower businesses and individuals, creating a real impact in the world of payments.

 

2004 – A Bold Leap into Branchless Banking

 

It all started in 2004, when we took a bold step and launched South Africa’s first branchless banking solution. At a time when smartphones and digital wallets were still in the distant future, we used the USSD channel to bring financial services to townships. With this simple yet powerful technology, millions were able to access banking services directly from their mobile phones – no internet, no fancy devices, just straightforward mobile banking.

 

This innovative approach was a game-changer, giving people access to financial services they had never had before. It marked the beginning of our commitment to financial inclusion and it set the foundation for everything that followed.

 

2008 – Expanding Beyond Borders

 

By 2008, we were ready to think bigger. Our mobile payment platform expanded internationally to three continents, processing over 1 billion transactions. This was a significant milestone that validated our vision and proved that mobile payments could work on a global scale. We quickly moved from a local solution to a global one, bringing financial services to people across regions that had long been underserved.

 

Our expansion wasn’t just about business growth – it was about changing lives. Our platform enabled people in emerging markets to manage their finances in a way that was previously impossible and we couldn’t be prouder of that impact.

 

2018/19 – The Introduction of Tap-on-Phone

 

One of the most exciting developments in our history came in 2018/19, when we developed Tap-on-Phone technology. This allowed merchants to accept contactless payments using nothing more than a smartphone. No more expensive POS terminals, no more complicated systems – just a simple tap on the phone and businesses could process card payments securely and efficiently.

 

Developing was one thing, shepherding the solution through a brand-new certification process was something else. 2020 was spent ensuring that our solution met the requirements set by the card schemes.

 

2021 – Visa and Mastercard Certification and Rapid Growth

 

In 2021, after receiving pilot certification from Visa and Mastercard, we launched Tap-on-Phone. This certification marked a major milestone, confirming that our solution was secure, reliable and ready for widespread use. With Tap-on-Phone, businesses could accept payments directly from their smartphones, enabling small merchants, especially in markets with limited access to traditional payment systems, to thrive in the digital world.

 

It was clear that our technology was resonating with businesses around the world. The simplicity, security and cost-effectiveness of Tap-on-Phone made it the perfect solution for businesses large and small and we were thrilled to see how it was transforming the payment landscape.

 

2024 – A Year of Major Milestones

 

2024 has been a year of incredible growth and achievement for Wizzit. We now proudly serve 71 customers across 45 regions, a huge increase from just a few years ago. In under three years, our customer base has grown by an impressive 610%, a clear sign that we’re on the right track.

 

This year has also been marked by significant progress as we continue to push the boundaries of payment technology. One of the standout achievements has been working closely with our device partner MobiWire and with our existing and new clients like, Jazzcash, ABSA eCitizen, Unicre and NASS, to help them offer innovative solutions to their customers.

 

MobiWire and Littlefish: Empowering Our Clients with Innovative Solutions

 

Our work with MobiWire has been transformative. By integrating our SoftPOS technology with their reliable mobile devices – including feature phones, smartphones and IoT devices such as tablets and payment terminals with strong NFC. – we’ve enabled businesses to accept payments securely and efficiently – using nothing more than a smartphone or MobiWire device. This solution has made payment processing simpler, more cost-effective and accessible for businesses of all sizes.

 

We’re also proud to have Littlefish as one of our clients. This dynamic platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is powered by Wizzit’s Tap-on-Phone technology, allowing businesses to accept payments, track transactions in real time and access funding – all directly from their smartphones. This integration is helping MSMEs thrive, expand and improve efficiency across multiple markets.

 

These clients, along with our MOU with KaiOS, position us to continue transforming the payments landscape across South Africa, Africa and beyond. Together, we’re making financial inclusion a reality for millions.

 

Why Our Clients Matter

 

The growth of Wizzit has always been driven by the success of our clients. Working closely with MobiWire, Littlefish, Old Mutual and others has allowed us to create payment solutions that solve real problems for businesses of all sizes. By integrating our technology into their platforms, we’ve enabled these businesses to accept payments more easily, reduce costs and improve efficiency. And in doing so, we’re not just helping them grow – we’re contributing to the broader mission of financial inclusion.

 

As we continue to innovate and develop new solutions, we remain focused on providing secure, scalable and affordable payment processing that empowers businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

 

Certification: A Commitment to Security

 

Security has always been at the heart of what we do. This year, we renewed PCI DSS to PCI 4.0 and PCI PIN certification. These certifications demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding our customers’ sensitive data and ensuring that our solutions meet the highest standards of security.

 

Our Tap-on-Phone technology is nearly through the Mobile Payments on COTS (MPOC) certification process, which ensures that payment acceptance via commercial off-the-shelf devices (like smartphones) meets stringent security standards. These certifications help us stay ahead in the fintech industry, giving our clients the peace of mind that their transactions are safe and secure.

 

What’s Next for Wizzit?

 

Looking ahead, we are more committed than ever to helping businesses grow and thrive. We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings in 2004, but we know that there’s still much more to do. As we continue to innovate and develop new solutions, we are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.

 

From our early work with USSD banking to our pioneering Tap-on-Phone technology and the powerful partnerships we’ve formed, Wizzit is focused on one goal: to make payments simpler, more secure and more accessible for everyone.

 

Wrapping It Up: A Grateful Look Back and Excited for the Future

 

Reflecting on our journey so far, we can’t help but feel immense pride in everything we’ve achieved. But it also fuels our excitement for what’s next. We’re ready to take on the challenges ahead, continue building partnerships and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of digital payments.

 

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our clients, partners and the amazing Wizzit team. Together, we’ll continue shaping the future of payments and creating a world where financial inclusion is a reality for all.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We can’t wait to see where it takes us next.