The saying goes that in cash is king. The perception is that if somebody or something needs to be paid, the only way to do this is by having hard cash in hand. But is this still true? Will Africa stay bound to this restricting practice?

This perception no longer holds true. Business in Africa is advancing at an astonishing rate and Inter Africa Zambia is one of the leaders in the finance world, exploring new ways for more secure business practises in the transport industry.

Cash at African borders

Presently there is no alternative to paying cash for toll and duties at a border post. This meant that your truck had to travel with a bag of cash to pay for these. Inter Africa Zambia solved this problem by having an office at all major border posts in Southern Africa where your driver can collect the exact amount to pay his duties and tolls. Inter Africa does not condone the cash practice, but will cater for it until there is an alternative.

Cash for fuel

Drivers used to carry large amounts of cash to buy fuel. Inter Africa Zambia also solved this issue by partnering with  participating filling stations along all the major transport corridors in Southern Africa, where your truck can collect fuel.

Salaries

Inter Africa Zambia has several debit card options available for the different regions and scenarios in Southern Africa. It recently launched the Mukuru payroll system, which caters for South African transport companies that employ foreign drivers. This is an online system and enables employers to do bulk payments into Inter Africa’s account, after which the payment is allocated to each individual’s Mukuru Money card. Furthermore, the Mukuru Money Card allows your driver to send money to his family in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi by doing a simple transaction on his cellphone.

The company is a market leader in remittances and promise quick and easy remittances to your employees.

Payment of accounts

Inter Africa Zambia can facilitate the payment of accounts. Same-day payments to a mechanic for repairs on a truck can be made in most of the Southern African countries, there is no need to wait for transfers to reach service providers.

All of these services can be accessed on the company’s Transport Forex system. By registering on Transport Forex, you can place orders for your trucks to collect cash or fuel in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, the DRC and Tanzania. Once an order is placed, the driver receives an order number on his cellphone. This order number is presented at our office or participating filling station where the driver needs to pick up cash or fuel, the order is verified and the driver receives his cash or fuel order.Inter Africa has replaced cash with technology.

Visit www.interafrica.co.za for full product details.