China’s UnionPay International (UPI), has partnered with Kenya’s iPay to enable its cardholders to access about 8,000 online merchants across Africa.
The partnership will see UPI cardholders hold transactions with African brands that include Jumia, Glovo, Dominos, Decathlon, National Museums of Kenya, Ramtons Electronics, MyDawa, Urban Coffee, the Africa Legal Network as well as banks, restaurants and entertainment clubs and churches.
READ
“We believe that it is eminent for the public to understand the benefits of digital payments, beyond reducing physical contact during this difficult time, smooth payment services and attractive promotions are key to fostering this understanding,” Mr. Luping Zhang, General Manager at UnionPay International Africa Branch stated.
UPI has experienced an increased global online transaction of about 20% as more people are adopting digital payments to minimize physical contact and cash handling amid the global pandemic.
Commenting on the partnership, the Managing Director at iPay, Mr. Philip Nyamwaya, noted that the partnership was firmly within their strategic vision; seeing the rapid uptake of this card scheme globally and across Africa.
In recent years, UPI has expanded its acceptance network to 178 countries and regions, with more than 8.4 billion UnionPay cards issued in 61 countries and regions.
In Africa, UnionPay cards have been issued in over 10 African countries and regions, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and Mauritius.
RELATED