When government launched its digital transformation road map this week, much of the focus was on its potential to improve service delivery for citizens. There was little focus on an aspect of the road map with much more potential to boost the economy — digital payments.

Building public digital infrastructure is one of the new items on Operation Vulindlela’s phase two to-do list. But OV is meant to be about removing barriers to growth. It could do a lot for wellbeing and productivity, not to mention government efficiency, if government were to get its digital act together. But the real economic upside is in the payments space. That’s particularly so regarding opening access to the economy for even the smallest businesses and the poorest consumers...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.