Africa’s Middle Class and Digital Payments: A $2 Trillion Story by 2025
How rising incomes and digital wallets are reshaping opportunity
Visa’s opening of its first African data center in Johannesburg in July 2025 marks a new milestone in the continent’s digital maturity. With over $2 trillion in projected consumer spend this year, Africa’s middle class is reshaping how, why, and where people buy.
🔹 Mobile Wallets > Traditional Banking
Africa leads the world in mobile money adoption. Over 400 million users rely on services like M-Pesa, Orange Money, and Wave. This isn’t just convenience—it’s inclusion.
🔹 Contactless Surges in Urban Hubs
In South Africa, contactless payments now account for over 60% of in-store transactions. Visa’s local data center aims to speed up processing, improve data compliance, and enable more tailored solutions across the region.
🔹 The New Purchase Journey
Middle-class consumers are digitally aware, financially cautious, and brand-curious. They expect secure, seamless payments—and judge brands by how easy they are to transact with.
Brand takeaway:
To win the new middle class, frictionless commerce is table stakes. Embed digital payment strategy into your brand DNA—across mobile, social, and in-store touchpoints.