Google Wallet launched in SA to accelerate digital payments

As digital technology is expanding in South Africa, Alphabet Inc. – an American multinational technology conglomerate holding company, has launched Google Wallet in the country to give shoppers an alternative to purchase their goods and products by easily tapping their phones at retail stores.

This comes shortly, after its rival Apple Inc launched its Apply Pay mobile payment system in South Africa.

According to Alphabet Inc, cardholders of FirstRand Bank, Discovery Bank, Investec, Standard Bank, ABSA and Nedbank are now able to add their cards to Google Wallet.

Google SA’s Alistair Mokoena said access to technology is vital for economic prosperity as millions of people use their mobile devices daily to tap and pay at stores, pay for public transportation and to utilise a variety of passes.

“At Google, we have learned that great things happen when technology works for everyone,” said Mokoena.

Mokoena further added: “By including everyone – a dynamic ecosystem of manufacturers, developers and users – we want to make digital wallets accessible to everyone through fast, secure access to their everyday essentials.”