In the rapidly evolving world of financial technology, collaboration and community engagement are pivotal for driving innovation. Caleb Samy, Product Manager – Fintech at Emtel, provides valuable insights into how blink, Emtel’s Fintech platform, is making strides in this domain. His perspective highlights blink’s role in enhancing the payment experience and supporting broader strategic goals within the Fintech ecosystem.
Empowering merchants with innovative solutions
blink is dedicated to enhancing the payment experience for merchants, offering a range of benefits beyond just competitive rates. “In addition to offering a very competitive rate, we provide a merchant portal that allows merchants to monitor their daily transactions in real time,” he notes. This feature provides merchants with access to critical information such as settlements, helping them manage their finances more effectively.
The support blink offers to merchants goes beyond technology. “We also offer communication support and joint marketing campaigns,” Caleb explains. “This includes visibility through our social media channels, website, radio, and other platforms.” By integrating these marketing efforts, blink ensures that merchants, particularly MSMEs aiming for growth, receive comprehensive support.
Caleb highlights blink’s commitment to being more than just a payment solution provider. “Our merchants are not just getting a payment solution; they’re working with a technological and Fintech partner,” he says. This partnership approach reflects blink’s dedication to continuous innovation, with ongoing development of new solutions to meet the diverse needs of merchants.
Supporting arts, culture, and community engagement
blink’s contributions extend into the artistic, cultural, and entertainment sectors, emphasising its role in community support. “Supporting the local community is a key priority for us,” Caleb asserts. blink offers valuable opportunities to university students, including internships and experience through contractual roles. For instance, collaborations with students from the University of Mauritius, who are pursuing an MSc in Fintech, have led to the development of a community platform.
In addition to educational support, blink actively engages with women entrepreneurs. “We’ve supported the Women Entrepreneurs Award by sponsoring the event, conducting workshops, and providing both product expertise and financial assistance,” he notes. This initiative highlights blink’s commitment to empowering women and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.
blink’s community outreach also includes rural areas, where the company works closely with local communities. Caleb adds, “We are committed to supporting local artists, including those in the artistic and musical industries, by sponsoring events such as concerts, live productions, and video productions.” This involvement underscores blink’s dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of Mauritius through its fintech solutions.
Collaborating for local and regional growth
One of blink’s primary objectives is to foster deeper connections within the Fintech community in Mauritius and beyond. “Our first goal is to collaborate and increase engagement with the Fintech community in Mauritius,” Caleb explains.
This includes driving local and regional development by focusing on areas such as regulations, expertise, and exchange programs. Caleb emphasises on the importance of upskilling and reskilling within the Fintech sector. “We are committed to developing our team by tapping into the expertise available within the Mauritius Africa FinTech Hub,” he says. This commitment extends to hosting events and creating opportunities for exposure to new products and technologies, ensuring that blink remains at the cutting edge of fintech advancements.
Looking ahead
As blink continues to evolve, its focus on collaboration, merchant support, and community engagement positions it as a leader in the Fintech sector. Through these initiatives, blink is not only driving Fintech advancements but also contributing to the broader development of Mauritius and the region. With ongoing efforts to enhance merchant solutions, support local communities, and engage with the Fintech ecosystem, blink exemplifies how Fintech can be a force for positive change.
