Partnership aims to enhance digital payments across the Middle East and Africa, benefiting merchants and consumers alike. (Image source: Mastercard)

Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services have entered into a multi-year commercial partnership aimed at digitising payment acceptance across the Middle East and Africa, encompassing countries such as Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, South Africa, and the UAE

Under this collaboration, Amazon Payment Services will implement Mastercard Gateway, a unified payment processing solution, which will be accessible in 40 markets within the region. This integration is set to enhance merchants' ability to provide swift, seamless, and secure transactions, along with a variety of convenient payment options for their customers.

With the rapid rise in digital payments, this partnership is poised to benefit thousands of merchants using Amazon Payment Services, including those operating Amazon online stores catering to consumers in the UAE and Egypt. Furthermore, it will pave the way for new collaborations with telecommunications companies and governments to improve their checkout solutions, thereby increasing transaction speed and security for customers.

According to the Mastercard Payment Industry Insights Index, 95% of consumers in the Middle East and Africa are open to using emerging payment methods, such as wearables, biometrics, digital wallets, QR codes, and contactless payments. Additionally, 61% of consumers would steer clear of businesses that do not accept electronic payments. Banks in the region that have transitioned to digital channels have experienced a rise in digital transactions, increasing from 70% to 90% over roughly two years.

“We are proud to partner with Amazon Payment Services to scale payment acceptance and accelerate digitisation of payments with innovation solutions,” stated Amnah Ajmal, executive vice-president, market development, EEMEA, Mastercard.

The two companies have also established an innovation agreement to create Secure Card on File, Click to Pay, and token authentication services, providing merchants with multi-rail checkout options and offering customers a quicker checkout experience.

Peter George, managing director, Amazon Payment Services, Middle East & North Africa, expressed, “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Mastercard to deliver on our common goal of shaping the future of online payments in the region. Implementing Mastercard Gateway will empower us to expand our reach as a PSP and reduce the burden of integration, since the advanced technology solution is connected to all major acquirers around the world.”

Mastercard Gateway is a reliable solution that facilitates a single connection for customers to accept payments globally and expand into new markets effortlessly while safeguarding them against risks and fraud. Featuring frictionless digital checkout options, it eliminates the need for customers to manually enter card details and passwords when shopping online. As one of the largest gateways in the region, utilised by numerous financial sector players, it enables partners to accept a diverse range of digital transactions, including all leading card brands and non-card payment methods.

Amazon Payment Services continues to bolster online payments in the MENA region, supporting over 4,000 merchants and businesses across various countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

Mohamed Elbelamachi, regional managing director, Francophone Africa. (Image source: Network International)

Network International, a prominent leader in digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, has officially launched operations in Morocco, marking a key step in its strategic growth within Francophone Africa

With over three decades of experience in the industry, Network International is dedicated to advancing the digitalisation of payments in Morocco by offering state-of-the-art technology tailored to the specific needs of the country’s financial institutions and businesses.

Nandan Mer, group CEO of Network International, remarked, “Morocco presents a significant strategic opportunity for us, not only due to its strong financial ecosystem but also its pivotal role as a gateway to Francophone Africa. We are confident that our expertise, coupled with our innovative technology, will play a crucial role in the nation’s digital transformation. Our mission is to simplify commerce and make payments more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – Processing, Africa and co-head group processing at Network International, added, “Casablanca is the newest addition to our network of hubs across Africa, designed to support the local digital payments revolution. We aim to boost the adoption of digital payments by leveraging local talent and innovative solutions. Our comprehensive suite of services and solutions empowers banks, fintechs, telecom operators, and payment institutions to meet evolving client needs and unlock new growth potential, all while complying with local regulations.”

Network International’s entry into Morocco solidifies its presence in Francophone Africa, leveraging the region’s shared cultural and linguistic connections. With Morocco's rapidly growing payments sector, the market is primed for significant expansion, especially in light of major upcoming events such as the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2030.

With a footprint in over 50 markets, Network International has developed deep expertise in navigating diverse regulatory environments and addressing varying consumer needs. Now, the company is ready to bring this experience to Morocco, assisting local financial institutions in delivering more effective payment solutions and enhancing the overall experience for consumers and merchants.

AFC have agreed with Itana to jointly develop the first digital economic zone in Africa. (Image source: Africa Finance Corporation)

Itana, Nigeria’s inaugural licensed digital economic zone management company, has partnered with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s premier infrastructure solutions provider, to co-develop Africa’s first digital economic zone

This zone is designed to enable global and Pan-African technology, finance, and service-oriented businesses to seamlessly scale across Africa, thus unlocking the continent’s digital economy. The collaboration was formalized at the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, witnessed by global government and business leaders.

Located in Lagos, Nigeria, the Itana Digital Economic Zone will function as an online jurisdiction, facilitating the establishment and operation of global businesses in Nigeria. Through Itana, companies can remotely incorporate and manage their businesses within the zone, benefiting from laws, incentives (tax, immigration, and banking), and services optimised for the digital economy. Additionally, the zone will feature eco-friendly live-work districts and a live-in accelerator programme, showcasing the future of African urban development. This will provide businesses with the necessary infrastructure and support to scale and compete globally.

Africa's digital frontier

AFC will provide project development funding for Itana and plans to lead the financing of phase 1, which has a budget of approximately US$100mn. This phase will include an eco-friendly tech campus in Lagos and funding for startups through the Accelerate Africa programme, Itana’s accelerator in partnership with Future Africa. AFC will also aid in the deployment of the Itana Digital Economic Zone, aimed at attracting global and Pan-African tech, finance, and service businesses looking to operate across Africa.

In partnership with Future Africa, PwC Nigeria, and Charter Cities Institute, Itana and AFC are advising the Initiative for the promotion of Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN), a non-profit focused on advocacy and policy research. This group represents the private sector on the recently announced Nigerian Federal Government steering committee for establishing Digital Economic Zones in Nigeria, chaired by President Bola Tinubu and comprising key Government Ministers and Agency Heads.

Itana aims to create a conducive environment aligned with the demands of the digital trade and technological age. The organisation has recently launched the Itana Application, offering individuals access to services like business visa facilitation, local bank accounts, and a marketplace of trusted vendors for African business operations. Eligible businesses can easily register as a Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) and obtain a Business Operating License, joining the ranks of digital companies such as Reliance Info and Future Africa.

Following incorporation, businesses can benefit from tax and capital repatriation incentives, access to the Itana business community, and apply for business banking and special work and residency permits without expatriate quota restrictions.

“Itana intends to be to Nigeria and Africa what Delaware & Silicon Valley is to the U.S., the DIFC is to Dubai, and e-Estonia is to the European Union,” said Luqman Edu, CEO of Itana. “Itana is poised as the gateway to doing business in Africa. Local and international businesses looking to expand their operations across Africa will naturally look to Itana as their point of entry.”

“Africa’s digital economy is poised for significant expansion and innovation following the rapid adoption of mobile technology, a burgeoning youth population, and the growing importance of digital commerce and services,” said Samaila Zubairu, president & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation. “In support of this, AFC is proud to be a pioneer alongside Itana, in building Africa’s first digital economic zone. This unprecedented initiative marks a pivotal step towards creating a thriving hub for the African digital economy, cementing the Corporation’s commitment to driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic development across the continent.”

Last year, Itana announced a funding round backed by prominent venture capital firms and tech industry leaders, including LocalGlobe, Amplo, Pronomos Capital (backed by Peter Thiel), Balaji, and Future Africa (led by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave).

As Africa’s first Digital Zone, Itana remains dedicated to positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. The zone will be situated in Alaro City, a mixed-use development spanning over 2,000 hectares in the Lekki Free Zone.

KaiOS partners with Mastercard to enable SMEs in emerging markets to accept digital payments via affordable KaiOS-powered devices, starting in Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

KaiOS, the leading operating system that brings internet access to affordable devices, has announced a new partnership with Mastercard to integrate a variety of digital payment solutions

Starting in Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria, the collaboration aims to offer accessible payment acceptance devices, promoting the development of a more inclusive and interconnected global economy.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing regions, face challenges when it comes to adopting digital payments, including high costs for traditional payment terminals and technical hurdles. This creates a barrier for these businesses to fully participate in the digital economy, limiting opportunities for inclusive growth.

Transforming business transactions

Through their partnership, KaiOS and Mastercard aim to empower millions of SMEs worldwide to accept digital payments using KaiOS-powered devices. Even the smallest businesses will have the capability to securely and efficiently accept payments via Mastercard QR Pay by Link, with plans to introduce Tap & Go contactless technology in the future.

The onboarding process is straightforward. Business owners simply register using their KaiOS phone, entering their credentials and verifying through a one-time password. Once authenticated, they can immediately access and utilise a range of digital payment services.

Jorn Lambert, Mastercard's chief product officer, commented, "Acceptance fuels a successful digital economy, so it’s critical that we meet people where they are today and move them forward together. Whether it’s a micro-merchant in Cote d’Ivoire to an enterprise in Indonesia, our goal is to make it as easy for merchants to accept digital payments as it is for consumers to make them. We’re looking forward to working closely with KaiOS to bring the best of our technology, scale, and expertise together to drive growth for emerging markets around the world."

Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies, emphasised, "At KaiOS, our mission is to connect underserved communities with the digital world. By bringing Mastercard's secure payment technology to affordable internet phones running KaiOS, we're unlocking new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, allowing them to participate in modern commerce more fully. This innovation brings down the barriers and enables an affordable consumer device to become a powerful business tool."

This partnership further strengthens the relationship between KaiOS and Mastercard as the operating system continues to expand its reach. Currently, KaiOS collaborates with major carriers, mobile network operators, and phone manufacturers in emerging markets, and is planning to broaden its scope to include acquiring banks, fintechs, and payment facilitators. KaiOS was also part of Mastercard's Start Path programme, designed to foster digital inclusion by embedding innovative payment solutions.

The initial focus of the partnership will be on African markets, with Mastercard and KaiOS working alongside local partners like Touch and Pay Technologies (TAP) and Wizzit to bring these solutions to merchants in the region.