- AddPay provides merchants with Android-based devices, cloud platforms and tools for terminal management, e-commerce, collections and onboarding
- Innovations such as real-time settlement, remote terminal management, and multi-device connectivity are among recent responses.
AddPay (Pty) Ltd’s role in South Africa’s payments sector
AddPay offers a payment network that covers secure card processing, device platforms, e-commerce, collections, onboarding, and terminal management. It supplies Android-based POS devices (for example P5, T2, E1Lite etc.), plus software platforms like PayCloud and TMS that enable merchants to monitor transactions, update devices, and manage operations in real time.
The company claims more than R50 million in annual transactions, over 5,000 satisfied clients, and a 5/5 customer rating. It is based in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, with devices in South Africa and Namibia.
AddPay has also recently introduced a Seven-Day Settlement Account in partnership with Absa Bank. Merchants receive daily settlement of funds even on Sundays and public holidays. This helps with cash-flow, especially in sectors like fuel, hospitality, retail.
The firm’s incubation programme helps businesses become Payment Facilitators (“PayFacs”). It provides training in compliance (PCI-DSS, AML, SARB regulations), legal frameworks, mapping risk, device management and operations.
Also read: Eko-Konnect Research and Education Driving Innovation
Also read: University of Education, Winneba: Pioneering Teacher Education and Innovation
Challenges & Innovations with AddPay at the forefront
The South African payments industry is under transformation. Regulatory changes are in motion. One is to open the National Payments System (NPS) to non-bank entities so they can participate directly in clearing and settlement without needing bank sponsorship. Licences for non-banks are expected as early as early 2026. This aligns with SARB’s Vision 2025.
In addition, digital payment adoption is accelerating. There is more demand for less friction, faster settlement, connectivity even in areas with weak signal. Fraud risk, data protection, and ensuring interoperability are more urgent than ever.
Innovations around terminal device features are also visible. AddPay and Wiseasy have collaborated to produce Android devices that work over WiFi or dual SIM to cope with unreliable connectivity. Devices are integrated with cloud platforms for remote updates, management, and real-time reporting.
Another innovation is the move to real-time or near real-time settlement, such as monthly or daily settlements including non-business days. This is increasingly important to merchants managing tight cash flows. AddPay’s Seven-Day Settlement Account is an example.
Regulators are also pushing for more inclusive payment systems, and for frameworks that balance innovation with protection for consumers. Licensing, anti-money laundering, data privacy (such as under South Africa’s POPIA), are major parts of this.
