Virtual Incentives announced 30 new electronic gift card brands in Africa in July 2021, beginning with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The rewards were to be delivered through VI Now.

The examples in its announcement covered retail, dining, wellbeing and experiences. Named brands included Healthy U, Mama Rocks, Shoprite, Cape Union Mart and Woolworths, with the selection varying by market.

Virtual Incentives said the localised rewards were intended for promotions, market research, employee recognition and consumer loyalty programmes. The expansion gave its business customers additional country-specific reward choices in the three initial markets.

The update concerned the availability of the reward catalogue, rather than a new consumer banking service or a change to the underlying retailers' gift card issuance arrangements.