Opera’s Web Payment Solution “OPay” Launched In Kenya

Earlier this year, Opera announced its plan to invest $100 million over the next two years to facilitate the growth of African digital economy.

Perhaps, as part of this plans, Opera has launched Opay, a web payment solution in Kenya.

According to Opera, OPay is a system designed to ensure fast and secure payment and also enable users to shop and pay for services and products through their mobile or web browser. This said, it is noteworthy to add that OPay has been undergoing test since September.

Interestingly, OPay will not be limited to Opera Mini as other mobile browsers can leverage this service for airtime top-ups. Airtel and Telkom Kenya mobile phone accounts have also been added (the test phase was limited to Safaricom), as well as the inclusion of utility bills such as electricity, cable TV among others.

On the launch, Nuno Sitima, Executive Vice President of Payments and Fintech, Opera Software AS said: “This mobile payment technology integrated into the Opera Mini browser will help Kenya continue the highest rate of mobile payment technology adoption in the world. More than 80 percent of the country’s population with access to a cell phone use it to pay for goods and services. However, the challenges of long distances, difficult terrain and large rural populations who often lack access to formal banking systems are all addressed with OPay and the reach of the Opera Mini browser. Our ultimate goal is to fuel the growth of African businesses through a simple, affordable solution that can encompass many payment methods in one easy-to-use app.”

OPay is equally available in Nigeria even though it has not been unveiled. For now, in Nigeria, you can only use OPay to purchase airtime. OPay will soon be available in Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.