Technology has never been the problem. Access has.
Across the continent, brilliant digital systems have been built, yet millions remain outside their reach; not because they lack potential, but because design too often overlooks reality. Networks fail. Literacy varies. Trust takes time to build. True inclusion begins when technology bends to meet people where they are.
At VeryPay, every deployment has underscored one key lesson: inclusive fintech is built in the field, not the lab. From cashless school programs to social cash transfer digitisation, our teams have learned what it takes to make digital finance genuinely accessible, especially for the last mile.
Here are five guiding principles that shape our approach to creating technology that fosters inclusion, scalability, and impact:
1. Build for Offline First
Connectivity shouldn’t be a prerequisite for participation. In rural areas, poor network coverage is the norm, not the exception. Designing technology that functions without constant internet access isn’t a limitation—it’s a smart, future-proof solution.
At VeryPay, we’ve pioneered offline-first solutions like NFC-enabled cards, offline-capable POS terminals, and USSD interfaces for feature phones. These innovations ensure that digital payments work even in low-connectivity environments, opening the door to inclusion everywhere.
A standout innovation in this field was the launch of NFC-enabled payment cards linked to Zamtel Mobile Money wallets. These cards enable Social Cash Transfer (SCT) beneficiaries-especially those without mobile phones—to securely receive and withdraw funds, even in regions with minimal network access. By integrating offline NFC technology with mobile money, the solution guarantees no one is left behind, regardless of connectivity issues.
2. Design for All Literacy Levels
Simplicity is at the heart of effective design. For users with limited digital experience, interfaces must be intuitive, relying on familiar icons, colors, and visual patterns instead of complex text.
Inclusive design goes beyond language translation, it involves cultural sensitivity and visual cues that users can easily understand and act upon with confidence. When technology is intuitive, users trust it, and trust is the foundation of adoption.
3. Collaborate with Local Ecosystems
Fintech thrives through partnerships. Successful, sustainable solutions require collaboration with local communities, organizations, and businesses.
For Zambia’s Social Cash Transfer digitization, working closely with community development officers, mobile money agents, and local authorities fostered a sense of shared ownership, which technology alone could never achieve. When trust is nurtured through people rather than just platforms, inclusion happens faster and more naturally.
4. Measure Impact, Not Just Transactions
Success in digital inclusion isn’t just about transaction volumes. True progress is measured by real-world outcomes: how many first-time users have been onboarded, how many women have gained control over their income, and how much more transparent institutions have become.
At VeryPay, we focus on insights, not just activity. Our advanced analytics tools provide valuable data that go beyond the numbers, transforming them into actionable metrics for continuous improvement and accountability.
5. Keep Human Support Accessible
No matter how sophisticated the technology, human support remains essential. Adoption rates soar when digital systems are complemented by accessible support-whether it’s through agents in the field, call centers, or WhatsApp assistance.
The best fintech systems combine human expertise with digital efficiency, creating a supportive, personal experience that encourages ongoing user engagement long after the initial transaction.
Conclusion
Financial inclusion isn’t driven by innovation alone; it’s built on understanding. The most effective fintech solutions are those that adapt to their users’ needs, rather than expecting users to conform to the technology.
VeryPay is proud to be part of the VerySell Group, a global leader in technology with over 35 years of experience in AI and IT. This legacy continues to inspire our mission: to create systems that connect people, empower institutions, and redefine the meaning of inclusion in the digital era.
Because inclusion isn’t just a feature – it’s the foundation of progress.
