Wakanow, a leading African travel booking platform, is climbing to new heights with a strategic partnership with Outpayce, an Amadeus company.

This collaboration marks a significant shift in the African travel landscape, as Wakanow embraces virtual card payments for supplier transactions. This innovative approach promises a smoother, more secure, and more financially optimised future for the travel industry.

A Legacy of Innovation: Wakanow’s Journey

Founded in 2008, Wakanow established itself as Nigeria’s first Online Travel Agent (OTA), bridging the gap between travellers and diverse travel options.

Over the years, the company has expanded its physical presence across several African countries, solidifying its position as a travel industry leader. Wakanow’s unwavering commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous efforts to elevate the customer experience.

The integration of virtual card payments through Outpayce’s B2B Wallet aligns perfectly with this commitment, streamlining payment processes and enhancing customer satisfaction.

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Redefining Payments: How Does It Work?

Outpayce’s B2B wallet technology lies at the heart of this transformation. This intelligent system analyses various factors, including transaction amount, currency, supplier acceptance policies, and Wakanow’s overall payment strategy.

Based on this analysis, the system automatically generates the most suitable virtual card for each individual payment. This level of precision ensures optimal payment routing while minimising the risk of delays or failures.

Benefits Take Off: A Win-Win for All

The adoption of virtual cards offers a multitude of benefits for both Wakanow and its suppliers. For Wakanow, this new system translates to:

Enhanced Efficiency: Automated virtual card generation frees up resources to focus on other critical areas like customer service and service expansion.
Reduced Fraud Risk: Single-use virtual cards significantly mitigate fraud concerns associated with traditional payment methods.
Streamlined Reconciliation: The one-to-one relationship between payments and bookings simplifies the reconciliation process, saving valuable time and resources.

Suppliers, on the other hand, benefit from:

Faster Payment Cycles: Virtual cards facilitate quicker receipt of payments, improving cash flow.
Reduced Administrative Burdens: Automating payment processes minimises administrative tasks, allowing suppliers to focus on core business activities.
Enhanced Security: Virtual cards offer an added layer of security, reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions.

A Vision for the Future of Travel Payments

Bayo Adedeji, Wakanow’s Group CEO, emphasises the strategic importance of payments within the company’s operations. Virtual cards grant Wakanow the flexibility to pay suppliers swiftly in various currencies while mitigating risks.

Ladi Ojuri, CEO of Kalabash Technology Solutions (Wakanow’s fintech subsidiary), echoes the positive impact on Wakanow’s payment capabilities, highlighting the increased efficiency and security brought by this partnership.

Claudio Santos, representing Outpayce, underscores the growing trend of virtual payments in the travel industry. He emphasises the role of technology in optimising payments, cost reduction, and risk management.

Outpayce’s B2B Wallet, with its diverse range of cards and currencies, positions itself as a valuable partner for travel companies seeking to modernise their payment structures.

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Beyond Payments: A Journey of Transformation

Wakanow’s adoption of virtual card payments signifies a monumental shift in the African travel payment landscape. By embracing innovative technology, Wakanow sets a new standard for the industry.

As Wakanow expands its footprint across Africa, this partnership with Outpayce will undoubtedly propel its success and solidify its position as a leading travel booking platform.

However, this transformation goes beyond just adopting a new payment method. It signifies a reimagining of the entire travel payment ecosystem.

Wakanow’s forward-thinking approach, fueled by virtual cards, is a testament to its dedication to delivering exceptional value to both customers and partners.

This collaboration signifies the dawn of a new era in African travel. With Wakanow taking flight with virtual cards, the future of travel payments promises to be smoother, more secure, and more efficient than ever before.