Dar Es Salaam, 23 January 2025 – TOPPAN Security, a global leader in secure payment and identity solutions, recently hosted its roadshow, “Digital Transformation and Innovations in Tanzania’s Emerging Economy,” bringing together industry leaders to explore the future of digital innovation and financial inclusion.

Held in Tanzania, the event served as an exclusive platform for showcasing breakthroughs in payment technologies. Attendees were treated to live, interactive product demonstrations led by TOPPAN Security’s team of experts, featuring solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the financial sector. The event was supported by Data Vision International, Kimwill Insurance, and the CEO & Founder of Unleashed Africa Social Ventures, Khalila Mbowe, whose contributions helped ensure the event’s success.

Key Highlights of the Event:

• Keynote Speeches – Insights on Tanzania’s digital transformation, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion.
• Rebranding Announcement – TOPPAN Gravity is now TOPPAN Security, unifying its global identity.
• Panel Discussions – Focus on eKYC, advanced security solutions, data-driven financial identities, and digital payments
• Live Product Demos – Featured cutting-edge payment card solutions, including Dynamic CVV, Biometric Cards, and Eco-friendly Cards, alongside digital payment, such as onboarding and authentication technology.
  
• Networking & Collaboration – Industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators exchanging ideas.

We were honored to have Dr. Nkundwe Moses Mwasaga, Director General, ICT Commission of Tanzania, as a keynote speaker at the TOPPAN Tanzania Roadshow 2025. He highlighted Tanzania’s progress in digital transformation, emphasizing the Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024-2034 and the nation’s leadership in cybersecurity, connectivity, and innovation. Addressing rising cyber threats, he stressed the importance of digital security and trust as key pillars of economic growth. He also underscored the role of public-private partnerships, with TOPPAN Security and other stakeholders playing a crucial part in shaping Tanzania’s digital future.

Among the keynote speakers were Hamdi Chaouch, VP of Global Sales & Business Development, Mona El Baz, VP of Marketing & Communications, and Vincent Anjiri, Senior Area Sales Manager of TOPPAN Security. They welcomed guests with an insightful introduction to the company, shedding light on emerging industry trends and the company’s strategic evolution. A key highlight was the official announcement of the company’s rebranding from TOPPAN Gravity to TOPPAN Security, a move aligned with its global growth strategy. By unifying its identity, TOPPAN Security is reinforcing its position as a leader in the secure ID and payment solutions industry, with all entities outside Japan now operating under a single, cohesive brand.

The event featured dynamic panel sessions with prominent voices from the payment and financial sectors, fostering insightful discussions on the future of digital innovation and financial inclusion. Sdenior executives shared their experiences and thoughts throughout the panel discussions. Panelists including, Emmily Paschal, Directorate of Payments System, BOT, Chrisker Masaki, Country Head Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank, and Paul Damocha, UNCDF Digital Financial Advisor and Farha Mohammed, Selcom Head of Products shared their expertise, offering valuable perspectives on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Key topics included:

1. Bridging Gaps in Accelerating Financial Inclusion – Experts explored how technology, particularly eKYC, can drive financial inclusion in emerging markets. Discussions focused on the role of fintech, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships in expanding access to secure financial services, especially in rural Tanzania, where 65% of the population remains unbanked.

AI-driven fraud detection, robust cybersecurity, and alternative data were highlighted as essential for secure digital onboarding. Credit reference bureaus are leveraging alternative data to establish financial identities for the underserved, while cybersecurity frameworks are crucial for building trust across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and trade. The Digital Tanzania Project emphasized the importance of agile policies and collaboration to accelerate digital adoption. Ultimately, technology, security, and policy alignment remain key to making financial services accessible and inclusive for all Tanzanians.

2. The Future of Payments – The panel discussions explored technology’s role in securing financial transactions while ensuring accessibility and innovation. As digital payments expand, the global ecosystem must adapt by strengthening security standards and addressing emerging threats. Experts emphasized the balance between cardholder verification, transaction authentication, and user convenience, ensuring security does not compromise practicality or innovation.

Panelists highlighted the need for both physical and digital payment solutions and stressed interoperability among financial institutions to enable seamless, secure transactions. They also examined the rise of contactless payments, mobile wallets, and embedded finance, underscoring the importance of trust and compliance with global regulations. The discussion reinforced the need for a harmonized approach, where security, ease of use, and technological advancement drive financial inclusion, consumer protection, and digital economic growth.

3.Unlocking Social & Economic Value – The panel discussions were engaging and thought-provoking, focusing on unlocking social and economic value in Tanzania’s evolving payments ecosystem. Experts explored how inclusive financial solutions can drive growth across key sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, trade, and governance. Toppan’s innovative offerings were recognized for their role in enhancing financial accessibility, particularly for marginalized communities, by enabling secure and seamless transactions.

Attendees acknowledged that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in payments, but digital authentication technologies play a crucial role in reducing lending risks by verifying identities and creditworthiness among underserved populations. Toppan’s solutions were seen as well-aligned with Tanzania’s long-term vision for a people-centered digital economy, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable, technology-driven financial inclusion.

These conversations underscored the crucial role of collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators in shaping a more inclusive financial future.