Visa has forged a strategic partnership with Littlefish, an omni-channel platform that offers a comprehensive suite of business solutions aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.
This collaboration seeks to streamline both in-store and online digital experiences, addressing the urgent need for accessible financial systems in a region where cash transactions still dominate.
Despite the global surge in digital payments, research indicates that a significant portion of daily transactions in Africa continue to occur in cash.
This highlights a critical necessity for efficient digital solutions tailored for MSMEs, which are vital to the continent’s economy.
Through their partnership, Visa and Littlefish plan to introduce an innovative solution designed to enable banks and financial institutions to support MSMEs in their digital transformation journey.
The platform will provide a range of payment options, including traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile POS, Tap2Phone, and e-commerce channels, while also integrating various products and services that help businesses optimise their operations and broaden their market reach.
“This is a unique partnership that enables us to offer MSMEs a seamless way to enhance their business operations with a full-stack offering,” said Meagan Rabe, Head of Fintech for Visa, Sub-Saharan Africa. “At Visa, we are excited about creating new opportunities for businesses to leverage technology and innovative solutions. This partnership with Littlefish not only simplifies payments but also equips financial institutions with the necessary tools to support and grow small businesses in an evolving market.”
The partnership also enhances the value proposition for acquirers by delivering powerful, value-added services that promote growth for small businesses and offer a complete solution for streamlining and optimising operations.
Brandon Roberts, Co-Founder & CEO of Littlefish, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with Visa in this effort to revolutionise how small businesses operate. Our partnership will deliver a seamless, cost-effective digital platform that empowers financial institutions to support sustainable growth in the MSME sector. By combining our expertise with Visa’s global reach, we are helping businesses in South Africa and beyond unlock their full potential.”
With an established and expanding client base in South Africa, including major financial institutions, Littlefish has demonstrated its ability to scale and drive adoption.
This partnership will further extend its reach into CEMEA, where leading financial institutions are integrating with Visa’s CyberSource system.
By leveraging their combined strengths, Visa and Littlefish aim to facilitate digital transformation for millions of MSMEs, fostering growth in the sector and making commerce more efficient and accessible.
Additionally, Visa plans to implement its CyberSource solution for both point-of-sale and e-commerce transactions, enhancing prospects for value-added services such as secure payment processing.
This collaboration will also create future opportunities for lending products, remittance flows, and loyalty programs, ensuring that MSMEs have access to a comprehensive suite of financial tools necessary for business growth.
As the partnership unfolds, Visa and Littlefish are poised to significantly impact the financial landscape for small businesses in Africa, paving the way for a more digital and inclusive economy.