Yoco Aims to Be the Operating System for Small Businesses in South Africa

Johannesburg-based fintech company Yoco unveiled a major strategic shift at its “Yoco Next 2026” event, announcing over 20 new products and features designed to help small merchants manage their entire businesses—not just payments.

Yoco started by providing access to card payment processing for independent businesses. Now, the company aims to offer a comprehensive suite of tools covering inventory management, accounting, customer loyalty programs, cash flow tracking, and reporting—all in one platform.

New Features Address Key Pain Points

The announcements included:

  • Yoco AI: An artificial intelligence assistant (launching Q3 2026) that analyzes business data to provide actionable insights
  • Industry-specific software: Tailored solutions for restaurants, retailers, salons, and wellness businesses
  • Integrated accounting tools: Seamless connections with popular accounting platforms
  • Loyalty programs: Built-in features to reward customers and drive repeat business
  • Significant fee reductions: Up to 40% reduction in transaction fees across parts of Yoco’s network

Addressing a Growing Need

According to Yoco co-founder Carl Wazen, the company’s strategy reflects a broader trend: “Small businesses today need more than just payment processing. They need integrated solutions that help them manage all aspects of their operations.”

The new offerings aim to address a common challenge for SMEs—having to juggle multiple disconnected tools for different business functions.

Impact on Customers

Kelly Gibberd, founder of Cape Town fashion retailer Me&B, noted the complexity of managing a growing business with both physical stores and an e-commerce platform. She said streamlined inventory management, customer engagement tools, and improved reporting could help businesses focus more on serving customers and less on administrative tasks.

Yoco’s CEO Carsten Höltkemeyer emphasized that these changes represent just the beginning: “We are no longer just a payments company—we’re building a comprehensive platform to empower African SMEs with the technology they need to compete in today’s digital economy.”