Skrill, Microsoft Expand Access to E-Commerce in Africa (Nov. 11, 2014)
Skrill, provider of online payment technologies to merchants and consumers, and Microsoft4Afrika, an initiative launched last year to help accelerate Africa’s economic development and to improve its global competitiveness, together are launching an e-commerce portal enabling Africans to use their mobile wallets to buy from global Internet brands, access free educational content and use Microsoft software. The portal is scheduled to go live next month.
The surge in consumer demand for digital payments is increasing in Africa, but many consumers remain unbanked and have no means for online global shopping and payments. Skrill mobile wallets enable users to make payments instantly, cost-effectively and securely, according to Skrill. Africans can buy products and services from Skrill’s global network of merchants, including video-on-demand business iROKOtv, music download and streaming business Spinlet and an assortment of social gaming providers. The portal also provides consumers with exclusive access to special product offers and discounts on goods and services.
Microsoft will be providing via the portal free access to One Drive, as well as Outlook email addresses so users can register accounts with merchants. Microsoft OneDrive will enable consumers to download and store up to 15GB of data free of charge. Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative also is providing free access to educational content, from basic math games to courses on app development through its virtual academy.
See related stories:
