Mastercard and TeamApt are partnering to help African businesses overcome barriers to digital payments, with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises expected to be among the main beneficiaries.
The collaboration will expand payment acceptance across physical stores, online platforms and mobile channels. It is designed to help businesses receive payments more reliably, serve customers securely and participate in cross-border commerce.
Under the agreement, TeamApt will operate directly on Mastercard’s global payments network as a non-bank acquirer. This will enable the company to provide payment acceptance, transaction processing and acquiring services while onboarding licensed and credible businesses.
The partnership comes as African businesses increasingly depend on digital tools to reach customers and grow. However, many continue to face high transaction costs, limited payment infrastructure and difficulties accepting international payments.
Small businesses are particularly affected. Many cannot afford traditional point-of-sale terminals or lack access to banking services that support digital transactions. These challenges can limit sales and make it harder for local enterprises to compete with larger companies.
TeamApt’s switching infrastructure, combined with Mastercard’s global network, is expected to support secure, high-volume transactions across physical and digital channels. The companies say the arrangement will help businesses accept payments more seamlessly, both locally and internationally.
The initiative could also strengthen financial inclusion by bringing more informal businesses into the formal digital economy. Greater access to electronic payments can improve record-keeping, support access to credit and help enterprises build stronger relationships with customers and suppliers.
However, the success of the partnership will depend on affordability, reliable connectivity and trust. Businesses will need confidence that transactions are secure, fees are reasonable and payment systems remain available even in markets with limited infrastructure.
The collaboration reflects broader efforts to modernise Africa’s payments ecosystem. As digital commerce expands, partnerships between global payment networks and African fintech companies could help reduce barriers to trade and connect more businesses to regional and international markets.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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