With the launch of its NFC-enabled payment ring, the Zobe Ring, in Nigeria this August, Zobe Technologies, a UAE-based company, is bringing a novel twist to contactless payments through wearable technology in the form of a ring. By tapping the ring on any compatible point-of-sale (POS) terminal, users can complete tap-to-pay transactions without a phone, card, or cash.
The timing coincides with Nigeria’s increasing support for contactless infrastructure. Many POS terminals nationwide now accept NFC-based transactions, thanks to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2022 guidelines on contactless payments, which established a regulatory path for such technologies.
Tokenization, which replaces card information with encrypted data during transactions, is how the Zobe Ring works. A companion smartphone app is also available to users for spending management and security features, such as remote disabling in the event that the ring is misplaced or stolen.
The ring integrates with other NFC applications in addition to payments. It can be used to grant access to offices and events, share digital business cards, and unlock smart locks. The ring is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and doesn’t need to be charged because it was made with longevity in mind.
According to Zobe, the first rollout in Nigeria will start in August 2025 with early adopters, with wider availability anticipated after that. Although precise alliances have not yet been disclosed, the business is also working with a few regional banks to guarantee compatibility with issued cards.
As the market continues to embrace mobile-first and contactless solutions, the introduction of wearable payment technology such as Zobe Ring indicates a growing diversification in the way digital payments are made in Nigeria.
