New Market Opportunities for Smart Cards In Africa

This market insight provides a holistic analysis on the opportunities for smart card vendors in the mobile telecommunications, banking, transportation and public sectors. Leapfrogging is a common characteristic for all the mentioned sectors. Nevertheless, the lack of basic infrastructure (for example, bank branches in the baking sector) act as a restraint for the smart card industry. In conclusion, Africa offers many opportunities for smart card vendors, not only to provide physical smart cards but also to deliver platform software services. However, market participants have to be aware of the particularities of Africa (that is, the need for a complete adaption of products to the local conditions) to truly succeed in this market.