UnionPay and Standard Bank Expand Cross-Border E-Commerce in Nine African Markets
UnionPay International (UPI) has partnered with Standard Bank Group to expand online payment acceptance for merchants across nine African countries. This initiative allows e-commerce businesses in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to accept secure UnionPay payments from international cardholders. The move supports the growing trend of cross-border trade on the continent by offering more flexible payment options for both local and global consumers. The partnership builds upon a 2024 collaboration between Standard Bank and UnionPay as African businesses increasingly seek to reach customers beyond their domestic markets. With over 7 million UnionPay cards issued in Africa, this expansion is expected to boost conversion rates, broaden customer bases, and enhance participation in digital commerce across borders. Merchants can now offer transactions in local currency or USD depending on market needs, leveraging Standard Bank’s regional presence for scalable solutions that connect them with both regional and international client flows.
Topics: Africa e-commerce expansion Standard Bank Group UnionPay