Mastercard urges interoperable systems to deepen Africa’s digital economy
At GITEX Nigeria 2026, Mastercard executives argued that linking digital identity, payments and public services could expand access to finance and economic opportunity. The company also highlighted local skills, cybersecurity and infrastructure as necessary to ensure Africa’s digital growth creates lasting value for businesses and communities.
Mastercard used GITEX Nigeria 2026 to call for stronger connections between digital identity, payment systems and public services, arguing that interoperability will be central to expanding Africa’s digital economy. The event was held in Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3. Mastercard said discussions focused on interoperability, financial innovation, local capability and cybersecurity as African economies move beyond basic technology adoption.
Kari Tukur, the company’s vice-president for core payments in West Africa, said identity, payments and service-delivery systems should be designed to work together. Such links, Mastercard said, could allow citizens to verify their identity, access services and make or receive payments more easily. The company also said digital transactions could create records that help businesses build financial profiles and gain access to credit and other services.
Its Community Pass platform was presented as an example of infrastructure connecting underserved communities with financial institutions, governments and service providers through digital credentials. Mastercard executives also stressed that partnerships with global technology companies should strengthen local capacity. Olusola Olakanmi, vice-president for account management and head of sales in West Africa, said the value of such cooperation should be assessed by its contribution to local skills, infrastructure, cybersecurity, product development and African businesses.
Mastercard said its acceptance network in Africa grew by 45% in 2025, including among smaller and informal businesses. It also highlighted Mastercard Move, which it said supports money movement across more than 200 countries and territories and more than 150 currencies. The company said artificial intelligence could support financial security through its Threat Intelligence service, which assesses transaction risk in real time.
Mastercard also hosted the Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the U.S. Consul General at its exhibition booth, presenting public-private cooperation as important to building a trusted digital economy.
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