Cross-border payments and seamless financial services in multi-currency environments are often riddled with complexities like fluctuating exchange rates, regulatory challenges, and high fees. To solve these problems, Pesa was developed as a comprehensive platform that combines money transfers, currency swapping, e-commerce services, and international payment solutions. Pesa provides a unique platform for individuals and businesses alike, enabling cross-border payments, e-commerce capabilities, and virtual financial services.

Despite advances in financial technology, users continue to face significant hurdles when engaging in cross-border transactions and managing international payments. Traditional banking systems are slow and often charge exorbitant fees for currency conversion and fund transfers.

Furthermore, e-commerce sellers frequently lack an integrated platform to manage sales and receive payments across borders. The rise of remote work, online shopping, and global education has intensified the demand for simplified, secure, and cost-effective financial solutions. Customers have also expressed the need for an easy way to pay for international services, such as school fees and flights, in addition to managing funds with virtual cards and bulk payments. These issues underscore the necessity for a robust platform capable of facilitating multiple forms of payments seamlessly.

The key objectives of building the Pesa platform were to simplify cross-border payments and integrate e-commerce functions for individuals and businesses. The scope of work for the platform development included the following: 1. User-friendly Interface Develop a seamless, intuitive user interface that allows users to navigate effortlessly between features like money transfers, virtual cards, and currency swaps. 2. Cross-border Payment System Enable users to send and receive funds globally, convert currencies with competitive exchange rates, and manage international payments. 3. E-commerce Integration Allow users to upload and sell products, order items, and create custom payment links or invoices for buyers worldwide. 4. International Payment Solutions Provide users with the ability to pay international school fees and flights while supporting various payment methods, including virtual cards and bulk transactions. 5. Compliance and Security Ensure the platform complies with international financial regulations while offering users a secure environment for transactions.

A comprehensive market analysis and user research were conducted to identify pain points and opportunities in the cross-border payment and e-commerce space. Here are some of the key insights: Demand for Integrated Financial Services
Users in both emerging and developed markets expressed a strong need for a platform that consolidates cross-border payments, e-commerce capabilities, and financial tools like virtual cards. Currency Fluctuation Issues
Fluctuating exchange rates and delays in traditional banking transactions have left users frustrated. Businesses often face challenges in converting and sending payments swiftly. Seamless Onboarding and Compliance
Users emphasized the need for smooth onboarding processes and adherence to regulatory requirements for both local and international transactions. Security and data protection were top concerns.

Based on interviews with potential users, we focused on building a user-centric platform that addresses these pain points. The following aspects became crucial in the platform’s development: Cross-border transactions needed to be fast, secure, and affordable. Users wanted an intuitive interface for currency conversion, e-commerce operations, and payment link generation. Compliance with international and local regulations was essential to build trust in the platform.

With Pesa, we provide users with a platform that: Simplifies cross-border payments, offering competitive exchange rates and multi-currency support. Integrates an e-commerce platform for users to sell, purchase, and manage their transactions globally. Offers international payment services, including the ability to pay school fees and book flights. Supports secure payment solutions, including virtual cards and bulk payment capabilities, ensuring compliance and security at every step.

In the development of the user onboarding flow, one crucial aspect that demanded meticuluos attention was given to the onboarding flow. We ensured the interface was intuitive for our customers, from the page for KYC

In the development of the user onboarding flow, one crucial aspect that demanded meticulous attention was the text activation screen. We focused on ensuring that the interface was intuitive and straightforward, guiding users through verifying their phone numbers via SMS. The process was designed to be seamless, allowing users to enter the code quickly, with clear instructions and a prompt to resend the code if needed. By prioritizing user-friendliness, we minimized friction and improved the overall onboarding experience.

In designing the Pesa dashboard, we focused on creating an intuitive interface for users to easily access key features like sending funds, swapping currencies, and tracking recent transactions. With a clean layout, users can quickly manage their accounts, view balances in multiple currencies, and perform cross-border transactions seamlessly. The goal was to make the dashboard simple, yet functional for both new and experienced users.

Designing for Pesa has been a fulfilling experience, especially as we tackle the challenges of cross-border payments. The usability testing highlighted areas for improvement, helping us refine the user experience and make the platform more intuitive. I remain dedicated to continuous research and iteration, using user feedback to enhance the platform and ensure that it delivers a seamless experience for users across Africa and beyond.