SMS/USSD-based payment solution enabling digital transactions without internet access. Targets unbanked populations in developing regions through mobile money integration and offline capabilities.
PayLink bridges the digital divide by enabling SMS/USSD-based payments without internet connectivity. Targeting 1.7B unbanked adults, this solution empowers rural merchants and migrant workers through offline transaction processing and mobile money integration. The platform addresses critical financial inclusion gaps in Africa, SE Asia, and Latin America.
Core functionality
PayLink processes transactions via SMS/USSD without internet connectivity. Core features include offline balance caching, real-time synchronization with mobile money systems, merchant dashboards, PIN-secured transactions, and multi-currency support. Transactions initiate through basic feature phones with automated SMS confirmations.
Target user and segment
Primary users include 1.7B+ unbanked adults, rural micro-merchants, NGOs facilitating cash transfers, and mobile money users needing offline access. Initial focus on French-speaking Africa, followed by SE Asia and Latin America where smartphone penetration remains below 40%.
Recommended tech stack
- Backend: Python/Django for payment processing
- Mobile: React Native hybrid app
- Database: PostgreSQL with encryption
- APIs: Twilio (SMS), Juspay (payment processing)
- Infrastructure: AWS Lambda for serverless synchronization
Estimated MVP hours and costs
| Component | Hours | Cost (€100/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Backend | 300 | €30,000 |
| Frontend | 200 | €20,000 |
| Security | 150 | €15,000 |
| Telecom Integration | 250 | €25,000 |
| Total | 900h | €90,000 |
SWOT-analysis
Strengths: Internet independence, low transaction fees, solves critical pain point
Weaknesses: SMS delivery delays, regulatory complexity, fraud risks
Opportunities: Telco partnerships, government inclusion programs
Threats: Rising smartphone adoption, competitors like M-Pesa
First 1000 customers strategy
- Agent networks: 500 merchants via commission-based field agents (€15 CPA)
- Telco partnerships: 300 users through SIM card bundles (€8 CPA)
- NGO collaborations: 200 users via aid programs (€5 CPA)
- Total acquisition cost: €12,500
Monetization
Revenue model: 0.9% merchant fee + €0.02 per user transaction. Break-even at 278k monthly transactions (€25k operational costs). Core team: 3 engineers, 2 partnership managers, 1 support agent. Projected profitability in 18 months.
Market positioning and competitors
Targeting Africa’s $500B mobile money market with niche focus on offline cross-border remittances. Direct competitors include M-Pesa (45% market share) and Wave Mobile Money. Differentiation through USSD-based services for migrant workers and ultra-low transaction fees. Initial strategy: dominate Francophone Africa before Pan-African expansion.
