Absa Develops Embedded Payment Tool for Township Small Businesses
Absa Mauritius launched Spark Business, billed as the country's first open-banking merchant app. The app converts any smartphone into a lightweight point-of-sale device, accepting payments through a universal QR code, Tap & Pay, SMS Pay, and Global QR for tourists. Merchants can use any bank account to receive funds.
Beyond payments, the app offers sales dashboards, cash and credit transaction recording, staff role management, digital receipts, and real-time voice notifications on completed payments. Since launch, Spark Business has processed over 200,000 transactions and is used by more than 500 businesses across Mauritius, spanning retail, hospitality, and services. In 2025, the platform received six global awards from The Digital Banker, including Best Payments Platform Initiative for Africa and Best Open Banking Initiative for Mauritius.
- Embedded finance models are being applied to financial inclusion challenges in African informal economies
- Major African banks are using fintech partnerships to extend payment infrastructure beyond traditional merchant networks