Casablanca – In a groundbreaking move, the Centre Monétique Interbancaire (CMI), Interbank Electronic Payment Center, in partnership with Visa, has launched a new payment solution, “Tap to Mobile,” for the first time in Morocco. This innovative system allows merchants to accept payments directly through their Android smartphones or tablets, without the need for additional hardware or complex infrastructure.

A technological leap for digital payments

“Tap to Mobile” marks a significant step forward in the digital transformation of Morocco’s payment landscape. Leveraging NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, the solution turns ordinary smartphones and tablets into point-of-sale terminals using CMI’s Soft POS software. This breakthrough eliminates the need for traditional card readers, allowing merchants to accept contactless payments quickly and securely.

This technology is not only aimed at large retailers but also at smaller businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs who can now access a flexible and affordable payment solution. Merchants can complete transactions in just a few taps, whether through contactless bank cards or mobile wallets, making the payment process faster and more convenient.

Driving financial inclusion and digital adoption

CMI’s launch of “Tap to Mobile” is part of a broader effort to accelerate the adoption of digital payments across Morocco. According to Rachid Saihi, Managing Director of CMI, this initiative is designed to make payment solutions more accessible to a wider range of merchants, thereby supporting Morocco’s national financial inclusion strategy. By equipping more businesses with digital payment options, CMI aims to reduce reliance on cash transactions and foster an increasingly digital economy.

Sami Romdhane, General Manager of Visa Morocco, praised the partnership with CMI, stating that the new service will empower small businesses by giving them access to the benefits of the digital economy. “Tap to Mobile” is expected to help prevent lost sales and improve cash flow for merchants, allowing them to accept contactless payments anytime and anywhere.

Sustainability at the core

In addition to its convenience and flexibility, “Tap to Mobile” reflects CMI’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The system is designed to reduce the use of paper by digitizing payment receipts. In a country where over 150 million receipts are generated annually, this shift towards digitalization is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of electronic payments. CMI’s initiative aligns with global trends towards more eco-friendly business practices, promoting sustainability in the financial sector.

A market ready for innovation

The Moroccan payment market is ripe for such innovation. In 2023, contactless payments accounted for 53.3% of all transactions in the country, with 16 million of the 20 million bank cards in circulation being contactless-enabled. This growing trend in contactless transactions underscores the increasing consumer demand for fast, secure, and convenient payment options.

With over 60,000 businesses already benefiting from CMI’s robust payment infrastructure, the introduction of “Tap to Mobile” is expected to further solidify the company’s position as a leader in the modernization of Morocco’s financial ecosystem.

A Long-term commitment to innovation

For over two decades, CMI has been at the forefront of advancing electronic payments in Morocco. The company’s latest innovation, “Tap to Mobile,” reinforces its dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike. By making digital payments more accessible and sustainable, CMI is not only revolutionizing the payment industry but also paving the way for a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future.

This new era of payment solutions in Morocco is just the beginning, as CMI continues to play a pivotal role in transforming how transactions are conducted, making them simpler, safer, and more sustainable.