Paymob, Mastercard team to boost digital payment acceptance in MENA

By Delisha Fernandes

Paymob, a financial services enabler, has partnered with Mastercard to accelerate digital payment acceptance across the MENA region.

The strategic omnichannel partnership will leverage Paymob’s payments infrastructure and Mastercard’s payments technology to scale the adoption of low-cost solutions among micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in key markets.

Islam Shawky, Co-founder and CEO of Paymob, said, “This strategic partnership with Mastercard delivers on Paymob’s mission to fuel MSMEs via access to cutting-edge financial solutions. Our joint acceleration of low-cost digital acceptance solutions will lead to greater adoption of digital payments across the region. We are dedicated to creating an environment that ensures MENA MSMEs are empowered to compete in a cashless society.”

The agreement includes the acceleration and enablement of Tap on Phone, e-commerce gateway and payment links solutions. The collaboration’s focus on low-cost solutions will fast-track mass adoption of digital acceptance among smaller businesses while addressing use cases previously not served by existing solutions.

Mastercard leverages its extensive network, technology and global partnerships to help MSMEs adapt to changing commercial environments and new spending patterns. The company serves as a trusted provider of innovative and affordable digital payment solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses, ideally positioning them to diversify and expand.

Gaurang Shah, EVP of Products & Engineering, EEMEA at Mastercard, said, “At Mastercard, we are committed to developing fit-for-purpose solutions that enable MSMEs to pay and get paid securely. We are delighted to enter a collaboration with Paymob that builds on our complementary strengths to empower small businesses in the region to reap the full benefits of the thriving digital economy and maximize their participation in sustainable development.”

As the leading omnichannel payments infrastructure provider in Egypt, Paymob offers its merchants the most comprehensive acceptance suite in the market, positioning it as a growth partner to MSMEs. The partnership with Mastercard follows Paymob’s rapid regional expansion, powered by its Series B funding of $50 million in 2022. Beyond Egypt, Paymob serves merchants in KSA, UAE, Oman and Pakistan.