Simplifying Payments for African Businesses
Scale, a South African card-issuing startup, has joined forces with global payments leader Mastercard to streamline the process of issuing payment cards in five key African markets: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Addressing Market Complexity
Across Africa, businesses seeking to offer card payments often face a complex web of requirements involving multiple parties — issuing banks, payment networks, and BIN sponsors. This fragmented system creates significant delays and operational challenges that hinder innovation and growth.
Scale’s partnership with Mastercard offers a one-integration solution that handles onboarding, processing, and compliance while businesses focus on developing customer-centric products.
Market-Specific Benefits
- Kenya: Existing fintech companies can accelerate product launches and expand into new use cases like e-commerce and higher-value transactions
- Senegal, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Zimbabwe: Businesses can now easily offer card payment options to customers who primarily rely on cash or mobile wallets, enabling new applications for SMEs, corporate spending, government payouts, and more
A Growing Demand for Digital Payments
The partnership comes as digital payments across Africa continue their rapid expansion. McKinsey projects that financial-services revenues could reach $230 billion by 2025, driven by increasing adoption of modern payment methods.
“This collaboration removes critical hurdles so businesses can focus on what they do best — building innovative products for customers,” said Miranda Naidoo, Co-Founder and CEO of Scale. Mastercard echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership supports their commitment to expanding digital financial services across the continent.
The next year will be crucial as Scale leverages this expanded network to demonstrate operational depth in diverse markets while navigating varying regulatory landscapes.