The Bank of Namibia (BoN) recently hosted a book review session spotlighting the second edition of Digital Banking: A Guide on Digital Banking and Payments for Industry Professionals, authored by renowned payments expert Dr Albert Mutonga Matongela.
While global publications have traditionally informed the local financial industry, the lack of Namibia-specific literature has created a notable knowledge gap.
Matongela’s work bridges this divide by presenting an accessible guide grounded in local realities. It features relatable, homegrown examples that speak directly to industry professionals and the broader public alike, making complex digital banking concepts both practical and understandable.
The second edition builds on the foundation of the original, offering expanded insights into topics such as banking products, fraud awareness, Common Monetary Area payments, international payment systems, debt management, and the transition from traditional to modern payment methods.
It also examines how payments are cleared and settled, along with current domestic, regional, and global trends.
Matongela has worked for fifteen years at FNB Namibia, where he currently serves as payment manager. He has also worked in the United States and Namibia. His career includes being Namibia’s first In-Country Payments Leader for the SADC Payments Project and the inaugural Chair of the SADC Payments Scheme Management Body.
Observer Money asked Matongela about what motivated him to write the book and its importance to the financial industry.
Observer Money (OM): Why did you write this book and what is its importance?
Albert Matongela (AM): The book is an important source of information on digital banking and payments for the general public. It will contribute towards promoting financial literacy; it’s a tool for retaining knowledge in the payments industry; a way of meeting public demand; it was a strategic goal; and potentially as input for post-school curriculum.
OM: What was the reaction to the first edition?
AM: It was great, and I will remain appreciative of the support extended.
OM: How have digital payments evolved in Namibia?
AM: It is a global phenomenon. In Namibia the trend is supported by regulatory intervention, industry alignment and across the board communication to the general public. We no longer have cheques in Namibia and we see the public having embraced digital methods of making and receiving payments.
OM: How is digital banking helping Namibians who do not have access to banking facilities?
AM: We see payment service providers doing all they can to reach Namibians wherever they are to access financial services. One is able to send value to a beneficiary’s cellphone number for funds to be accessed at the nearest delivery channel at present.
OM: What is the level of financial literacy among Namibians?
AM: We are getting there as a nation with much to do by all of us in the area. My work on digital banking – guide on digital banking and payments for industry professionals, is an important step towards that public policy objective.
OM: Anything else that you wish to add?
AM: Thank you for reaching out once again. The book is available via nerchybert.org and major bookstores. Support will be appreciated.
