Tech

Mastercard teams up with Scale to deploy fintech services in Africa, Middle East

Published

3 months ago

August 25, 2024

Mastercard has teamed up with global issuer orchestration partner, Scale, to accelerate the deployment of fintech services across Africa and the Middle East.

According to Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development for EEMEA at Mastercard, the strategic alliance between the two is aimed at dismantling technical and commercial barriers that have hindered fintech companies, aggregators, enablers, payment service providers (PSPs), and telcos from launching payment programs in these regions.

“The partnership reflects Mastercard’s commitment to fostering innovative payment solutions and bridging the digital divide. By leveraging Scale’s expertise in the fintech landscape, Mastercard seeks to enhance financial inclusion and improve access to financial services throughout the area,”
Ajmal said.

He further emphasized the company’s dedication to working with local ecosystem players.

“The partnership with Scale aligns perfectly with Mastercard’s goals of driving growth in innovative payment solutions across the region.

“Through this collaboration, Mastercard and Scale will offer comprehensive support to fintech companies and other ecosystem participants. This support encompasses various crucial aspects of launching and maintaining payment programs.

“These include securing BIN sponsorships, developing sustainable unit economics, designing and commercialising card and payment programs, and assessing profitability models.

“The partnership will also focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences and co-creating inclusive value propositions geared for long-term growth. As the collaboration evolves, it will transform into a technology proposition, enabling any tech company to acquire Mastercard issuing capabilities through Scale,” he added.

Also commenting on the alliance, Miranda Perumal, Co-Founder and CEO of Scale, highlighted the partnership’s role in addressing a major pain point for fintech companies.

“By providing a single point of contact and absorbing the complexities of seeking bank BIN sponsors and third-party processors, the collaboration allows fintech players to concentrate on their core business while Scale handles the intricacies of payment enablement.

“Mastercard’s involvement extends to plugging its managed services into partners’ systems and overseeing card program implementation from start to finish. Post-launch, Scale will assist partners in growing their portfolios, driving revenues, and achieving profitability through insights into consumer behaviours, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes.

“The benefits of this partnership extend beyond fintech companies to encompass a broad spectrum of ecosystem players. Financial institutions will find it easier to collaborate with stakeholders in the card value chain. Merchants will gain improved access to digital financial products and services, facilitating business growth.

“Governments stand to benefit as well. The introduction of new financial offerings in the market is expected to reduce cash-based transactions, enabling greater participation in economic development and potentially boosting GDP growth.”

Related Topics:Africa Featured fintech MasterCard Scale

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Tech

Kenya’s startup BuuPass partners with GiftPesa to launch digital travel vouchers

Published

14 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing and transportation management solutions startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with fintech company, GiftPesa, to introduce digital travel vouchers ahead of the holiday season.

In a statement by BuuPass cofounder and CEO, Sonia Kabra, the move will offer a more flexible and convenient way for Kenyans to manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

“We’ve noticed a growing demand for digital solutions in the travel industry, especially during peak periods like the holiday season,” said Kabra.

“This partnership with GiftPesa enhances the travel experience for our customers, offering them a convenient way to send travel tickets as gifts and have a safety net for unconfirmed travel dates.

“Unlike traditional paper vouchers that can expire or get lost, GiftPesa vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be redeemed in parts at over 3,000 outlets across the country.

“This flexibility allows recipients to use the vouchers for multiple trips or select their preferred destination, making travel more accessible,” she added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a leading B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

GiftPesa, on the other hand, is a fintech startup that provides businesses and individuals with a platform for creating digital vouchers.

The partnership between the two companies will introduce digital travel vouchers, helping users manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.