A new partnership between South African advertisement-subsidised payments network Happy Pay and South African online payment platform Ozow, is set to make zero deposit, interest-free ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) services available to merchants across the Ozow network.

Ozow explains its merchants can activate Happy Pay's BNPL option without additional development, new contracts, or changes to existing checkout systems. The solution is designed to integrate directly into the payment flow in use by the merchant, allowing them to start offering zero deposit instalments to customers as soon as the system is switched on.

The online payment company says that it currently connects businesses to over 47-million South African bank account holders, processing payments across e-commerce, in-store, quick response code, and payment link channels. The inclusion of an advertisement-subsidised BNPL model means that the cost of the instalment is funded through merchant partnerships and not passed on to the consumer.

Happy Pay CEO Wesley Billett says the partnership reflects a shared focus on delivering meaningful value: “BNPL is no longer a niche payment method. It is becoming a standard expectation at checkout. By partnering with Ozow, we are able to extend this capability to a broader merchant base, while maintaining a seamless and responsible customer experience,” he says.

The partnership aims to allow merchants to offer customers a flexible payment plan without the need for deposits, interest, or complex sign-up processes, through a payment method that is familiar and accepted.

“Merchants are looking for practical ways to improve performance at checkout without adding complexity,” says Ozow COO Lyle Eckstein. “This partnership enables exactly that, giving merchants access to a proven payment method that can drive conversion and unlock new customer segments, while remaining fully aligned with Ozow’s single integration approach.”

The platform's AI-driven advert engine is designed to use purchase intent and behavioural signals to connect high-intent shoppers with relevant products, aimed at driving incremental revenue and new customer acquisition alongside the payment flexibility.