Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services have entered into a multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing digital payment acceptance across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The collaboration will see Amazon Payment Services integrate Mastercard Gateway, a comprehensive payment processing solution, across 40 regional markets, providing merchants with streamlined, secure, and seamless transaction capabilities.
This partnership comes at a time of rapid digital payment growth across MEA. Thousands of merchants using Amazon Payment Services, including Amazon’s own stores in the UAE and Egypt, will benefit from improved payment technologies. Additionally, the partnership aims to extend these innovations to sectors such as telecommunications and government entities, simplifying checkout processes and bolstering transaction security.
A recent report from the Mastercard Payment Industry Insights Index underscores the rising interest in emerging payment methods across the region. According to the report, 95% of consumers in MEA are exploring new technologies like digital wallets, biometrics, QR codes, and contactless payments. Meanwhile, 61% of consumers would avoid businesses that do not offer electronic payment options, further emphasizing the necessity of such advancements.
To support this digital shift, the partnership will introduce additional services, such as Secure Card on File, Click to Pay, and token authentication, improving the checkout experience for both merchants and customers.
Officials from Mastercard highlighted that this partnership will help scale payment acceptance across the region and accelerate MEA’s transition to cashless transactions. Representatives from Amazon Payment Services noted that the integration of Mastercard Gateway will expand their reach while simplifying payment processing for partners due to its compatibility with major global acquirers.