Mastercard has dramatically expanded its acceptance network across Africa by 45 percent in 2025, a major push to integrate millions of consumers and small businesses into the continent's burgeoning digital economy. This rapid expansion, a feat that would typically take several years, signals a fundamental shift in how African consumers and businesses are engaging with the formal financial system.

The expansion is critical for Kenya, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the economy. With consumer spending in Kenya projected to rise by 4%, the demand for seamless digital payment solutions has surged. This initiative directly addresses that need, empowering local businesses to connect with a wider market and bolstering the nation's projected $1.5 trillion (approx. KES 195 trillion) digital payments market by 2030.

Empowering Local Businesses

At the heart of Mastercard's strategy is a focus on SMEs. The company has rolled out 15 new SME-focused programs in the last 18 months alone. In Kenya, partnerships aim to provide more than 200,000 SMEs with robust digital solutions. This includes the rollout of Tap-on-Phone technology, QR payments, and virtual cards, which reduce the reliance on cash, speed up supplier payments, and enhance financial security.

A key initiative is the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance. Launched in May 2024, this partnership aims to bring digital services to 100 million people and businesses across the continent by 2034. In Kenya, the alliance has already provided affordable internet and digital training for farming cooperatives, digitizing profiles for over 80,000 farmers.

Deepening Financial Inclusion

Mastercard's efforts extend beyond urban centers. The 'Community Pass' initiative is designed to connect rural and underserved communities with digital services. The goal is to register 15 million users in Africa within five years, building on the success seen in Uganda where 1.2 million smallholder farmers have already been reached.

This continental expansion is supported by new offices in Ghana, Uganda, and Mauritius, with more planned for 2026. "2025 has been a defining year for Mastercard in Africa," noted Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard. He emphasized that the focus has been on solutions that place people and small businesses at the core of the digital economy.

• Network Growth: 45% increase in acceptance locations across Africa in 2025.
• SME Focus: 15 new programs launched to support small businesses.
• Kenyan Impact: Partnerships to empower over 200,000 local SMEs.
• Future Goal: Targeting a projected $1.5 trillion African digital payments market by 2030.

Looking ahead, Mastercard anticipates that technologies like Artificial Intelligence will drive the next wave of digital commerce in Africa, a market projected to hit $16.5 billion (approx. KES 2.1 trillion) by 2030. The company's continued investment in infrastructure and locally-tailored solutions signals a long-term commitment to fostering a secure and connected African economy.