Verve Bets Big on Contactless Payments Across Africa

In a decisive pivot to shape the future of everyday transactions, Verve has announced that all newly issued cards will now come contactless by default. With over 35 million contactless cards already in circulation, the African-born payment brand is taking bold steps to deliver seamless, secure, and efficient experiences for both consumers and merchants.

Contactless transactions — often dubbed tap-to-pay — are no longer a fringe innovation. Verve is proving they’re here to stay, and more importantly, that they work in African markets.

Africa’s Tap-to-Pay Evolution Has Arrived

Verve’s decision isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It’s about leading the change, and doing so in a way that reflects local realities. From open-air markets in Lagos to airports in Nairobi, consumers can now enjoy a frictionless payment flow that doesn’t sacrifice security.

“We are building for convenience, but not at the cost of trust,” the brand explained in its Always-On campaign. That’s why, unlike most global contactless systems, Verve cards include PIN authentication. The result? Safer transactions without losing the speed tap-to-pay offers.

These upgrades are not just digital. Verve has heavily invested in terminal enablement, working with banks and fintechs to increase acceptance points nationwide. Thousands of merchants across Nigeria now accept contactless Verve cards, creating shorter queues, faster checkouts, and streamlined retail experiences.

Strategic Innovation with Local Focus

The real differentiator for Verve is its deep understanding of African market dynamics. While global players often replicate Western systems, Verve’s innovation is rooted in context — recognising that African consumers want speed, yes, but also control and confidence.

This shift is timely. Africa’s population is young, urban, and mobile-first. The appetite for digital-first financial tools is rising, and Verve’s expansion into contactless, digital tokens, and next-gen solutions reflects that demand.

With over 85 million cards issued since inception, the company’s journey underscores its staying power. More than half of these cards are now contactless — a sign that digital payments are not only being adopted but embraced.