Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services have announced a multi-year partnership to enhance payment acceptance across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Covering key markets such as Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, and the UAE, the collaboration aims to accelerate the region’s shift toward cashless transactions by integrating Mastercard Gateway into Amazon’s payment processing services.
The Mastercard Gateway will provide a streamlined and secure platform for merchants in 40 markets, enabling them to offer faster and more convenient payment options to their customers. This advanced system is set to benefit thousands of businesses, including Amazon’s own online stores in the UAE and Egypt, ensuring seamless transactions while protecting users from fraud.
This strategic partnership comes at a pivotal time, as digital payments continue to surge in popularity across the MEA region. According to the Mastercard Payment Industry Insights Index, 95% of consumers in the region are open to using new payment methods, such as biometrics, digital wallets, and QR codes. The growing preference for electronic payments is also reflected in businesses’ adoption of digital platforms, with many seeing a rise in digital transactions, from 70% to 90% within two years.
The collaboration between Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services will also pave the way for additional innovations, such as Secure Card on File, Click to Pay, and token authentication, further enhancing the checkout experience for users. These innovations are expected to streamline the payment process and reduce friction at checkout.
Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with Amazon Payment Services to scale payment acceptance and accelerate the digitization of payments through innovative solutions.”
Amazon Payment Services Managing Director Peter George highlighted the advantages of the Mastercard Gateway, which simplifies integration with all major acquirers globally. “This partnership will empower us to expand our reach and offer an even more seamless experience for our merchants,” George said.
With this partnership, Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services are poised to make a significant impact on the region’s digital payment landscape, offering a secure, scalable, and user-friendly platform for businesses and consumers alike.
