Government entities urge public to use digital payment system |26 June 2023

The press conference

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Digital payment is becoming more and more prevalent in the world and in line with the government’s digital economy strategy, several government entities have or are in the process of launching online payment platforms, with the aim of improving the efficacy of the payment process, especially in terms of identification and allocation of such.

Already 95% of them have a Point of Sale (POS), shared Karine Bonne, acting accountant general, Public Accounts Management and Treasury Division at the Ministry of Finance, in a press conference held last week.

The representatives of Planning Authority (Tania Desnousse), Seychelles Licensing Authority (Shannon Françoise), Registration Division (Fred Hoareau) and DICT (Nafissatou Diallo) came to brief the public on their respective services that accept payments digitally.

The online payment platforms are meant to complement the existing payment systems already available to members of the public, such as physically going to a bank to effect transfer of payment, and visa card payment, via POS. In fact, it should be noted the majority of government entities are now accepting payment by visa card.

Why is it important to adopt digital payment? Ms Bonne explained that with the adoption of technology in the everyday operations of the government, especially payment, our objectives are as follows:

•           Improving efficiency and efficacy in Public Finance Management;
•           Limiting cash transactions in government payment systems hence eliminating the risks and administrative burden and costs associated with it;
•           Encouraging the use of technology in government payment system, in line with the government’s Digital Economy Strategy;
•           Limiting cash transactions, thus reducing potential fraudulent activities; and finally
•           Supporting the government’s strategy to improve the business environment by improving the ease of doing business in Seychelles by adopting an efficient payment system.

Planning Authority

Ms Desnousse explained that Planning Authority is one among government entities which is fully digitalised since 2020 through the e-planning system. Different clients have different platforms to use.

“Once the clients submit their application, it is checked by an officer and if everything is ok, an invoice is raised for the client to pay through a link. Clients are advised to leave an email address and once payment is done, the clients receive a receipt. Clients have also the choice to pay via bank but they have to produce a proof of payment in order to notify the Treasury Department. Clients have to put the ‘SPA’ and their invoice number on the form so that they know it is meant for SPA.”

Seychelles Licensing Authority

Ms Françoise noted that through their service gateway they provide this facility for their clients to make payments towards business licenses and licenses for transport.

“Regarding license for transport, clients can only renew their patents through the SLA website. They also have the option to download the paper for their transport.

For a new client, he/she can apply directly on line and procedures are done internally and if they need to come to the office they will be contacted. For now, SLA is also reviewing its e-service and portal and will offer more options to the clients.”

Registration Division

Mr Hoareau explained that the Registration Division is also facilitating its clients by offering its services online.

“Since 2021, we are offering the service of collateral registry – movable assets mainly by the banks and the system automatically sends a receipt to the bank. Clients can also use bank transfer and make sure to put the letters ‘REG’ in your comments. Registration takes effect as soon as payment is done. Businesses, associations and companies can register online through the e-registration.”

DICT

One of the major activities of DICT is the development and maintenance of software applications to support the delivery of government services.

Ms Diallo explained that in order to facilitate the clients to use all the various systems, DICT has devised the government e-service gateway where all services from the government are found. “Each individual will have an Electronic ID (E-ID) to login and clients will register one time. Our strategy is to help all government entities to digitise their services.”

How to register? Ms Diallo said that the client should go to the specific service they require and they will be guided on how to get an E-ID and she reassures the public there is always a team to assist them whenever there is a hitch while registering and login. All details of cards will always remain confidential and safe.

Will cash disappear on our markets? No, but the aim is to become cashlight. Our aim is to promote a digital economy with less cash in the system. Every payment will be free of charge,” concluded Ms Bonne.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Joena Meme