Mastercard Expands Partnership with Smile ID
Mastercard has announced an extension of its strategic commercial partnership with Smile ID, Africa’s leading identity verification provider, to accelerate the rollout of secure digital identity solutions across the continent.
The collaboration is designed to empower banks, fintechs, mobile money operators, and enterprises to onboard new customers faster, curb fraud, and expand access to financial systems. It combines Mastercard’s global expertise in identity technology with Smile ID’s advanced data verification and fraud detection capabilities.
Addressing Africa’s Fraud & Inclusion Gap
Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, making secure identity solutions a critical enabler for:
- Financial inclusion
- Fraud prevention
- Cross-border commerce
With smartphone penetration rising rapidly, millions of Africans are set to enter the digital ecosystem. Secure, scalable identity verification will be crucial for building trust and driving access across diverse markets.
For over five decades, Mastercard has worked with African governments, businesses, and communities to advance financial inclusion and economic development. By partnering with Smile ID, Mastercard is helping to:
- Expand access to financial services
- Support compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations
- Provide secure, interoperable identity solutions across multiple digital channels
Mastercard’s Investment in Smile ID
As part of the agreement, Mastercard has also made a minority investment in Smile ID, reinforcing its long-term commitment to digital trust, inclusion, and innovation in Africa.
“This partnership with Smile ID is a pivotal step in advancing digital trust and inclusion across Africa. As fragmented identity systems slow down businesses and lock millions out of the digital economy, Smile ID’s innovative identity platform complements Mastercard’s commitment to fostering secure and inclusive digital ecosystems.”
— Selin Bahadirli, Executive Vice President, Services, Mastercard EEMEA
Benefits of the Partnership
Through this partnership, Mastercard customers, including banks, telecom operators, mobile money providers, and fintechs, will gain access to Smile ID’s identity verification tools, which will be integrated into Mastercard’s digital platforms.
These solutions will enable:
- Instant, secure onboarding of users across African markets
- Enhanced fraud detection, including synthetic identity fraud prevention
- Regulatory compliance with local and international KYC/AML requirements
- Scalable solutions for cross-border commerce and digital expansion
Conclusion
The Mastercard–Smile ID partnership marks a transformative milestone for Africa’s digital economy. By combining cutting-edge identity technology with regional expertise, the collaboration strengthens Africa’s ability to unlock financial inclusion, prevent fraud, and power cross-border growth.
With Mastercard’s investment and Smile ID’s innovation, millions of Africans will gain safer, faster, and more reliable access to the digital economy.
