Raheem Akingbolu
Nearpays has announced an expansion of its AI-powered Soft POS system to support energy access and financial inclusion in emerging markets. The company aims to address the challenges faced by households and small businesses that cannot afford upfront payments for electricity, solar systems, or electric vehicle charging.
Traditional banking and rigid payment infrastructures have often been unable to support the micro-transaction models required for renewable energy. Nearpays’ Soft POS system allows energy providers and agents to use any smartphone as a payment terminal, eliminating the need for specialised hardware or complex manual codes. According to Victor Daniyan, CEO of Nearpays, “Energy is a fundamental right, but the lack of a flexible, low-cost payment system often makes it a luxury. By deploying our AI-powered Soft POS, we are making it possible for a technician in a rural village or an EV station attendant in a city to accept instant, secure payments. We are removing the friction between a customer’s pocket and their power supply, ensuring that energy flows as fast as the payment does.”
The system also includes an AI-driven credit layer. Many individuals in informal and underserved sectors lack formal credit scores, which restricts access to essential energy products. Nearpays uses AI to analyse transaction data from its Soft POS. The technology maps alternative data such as payment consistency, transaction frequency, and business turnover to generate a digital trust score. Energy providers can use these scores to offer instant financing for solar kits, battery swaps, and other products. The AI also predicts potential defaults, allowing providers to offer flexible restructuring or automated reminders, reducing the risk of service interruptions for customers.
Nearpays is extending the system to support electric mobility. The Soft POS acts as a payment interface for EV charging stations, including both formal hubs and small battery-swapping outlets. The AI assists station owners in predicting peak usage periods, enabling better load management and dynamic pricing while ensuring affordability for customers.
The initiative links financial inclusion with energy access. When a customer pays for energy through the Soft POS, they also build a financial record that can later support access to loans and insurance. The approach allows communities that were previously excluded from formal financial systems to participate in both energy and economic activities.
Nearpays has positioned its technology as a tool for addressing both energy and financial challenges simultaneously. The system allows energy providers to serve more households, enables small businesses to participate in digital transactions, and supports the adoption of renewable technologies. The company continues to develop its Soft POS, virtual card systems, and AI-driven insights to expand access to financial services across global emerging markets.
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