Mastercard deploys AI and tokenisation to secure Ethiopian digital payments
Product launch · announcedSunday 25 October 2026
Mastercard is deploying artificial intelligence and tokenisation to strengthen security across Ethiopia's digital payment ecosystem. The move supports Ethiopia's push to extend digital payments beyond cash, in a market where few adults transact digitally.
Stronger tokenised security could support wider card and mobile payment adoption in Ethiopia's emerging digital finance market.
Mastercard, with Interswitch, has enabled eligible Mastercard cardholders in Nigeria to pay with Google Pay on Android devices. The launch extends contactless digital payment options for Nigerian consumers.
Kacha Digital Financial Service has signed a five-year agreement with Mastercard to issue payment cards directly to its customers. The deal also enables card-issuing services for eligible financial institutions across the country.
Coopbank and fintech Kifiya are extending Michu's digital SME lending model into interest-free banking through the Michu Mizan product. The pilot has financed over 4,000 SMEs, and Michu has disbursed over about $430 million (Br70bn) since 2022.
Dashen Bank is expanding its Super App with plans for small unsecured digital loans. It is also launching a payment feature that connects customers with nearby businesses.
