Mastercard, a global leader in the payments industry, has joined forces with SomBank, an innovative financial institution in Somalia, to launch a new debit card that aims to bring digital payments to consumers in the country. The partnership between Mastercard and SomBank is expected to revolutionize the way transactions are conducted in Somalia and contribute to the ongoing efforts of financial inclusion.

The SomBank Card, which will be branded with the Mastercard logo, will provide a convenient payment solution for everyday transactions across Somalia. With the card, customers will gain access to a vast network of merchants and ATMs that accept Mastercard payments, as well as the extensive branch and agent network of SomBank. This will enable individuals to make purchases, withdrawals, and online payments in a safe and secure manner.

The collaboration between Mastercard and SomBank is driven by the shared vision of promoting digital payment solutions and bringing more Somalis into the digital economy. Through this partnership, it is anticipated that 100,000 SomBank customers will be included in the digital payment ecosystem in 2023, with plans to expand the program in the future.

Shehryar Ali, the Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard, expressed the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and its pride in partnering with SomBank. Ali stated, “By providing access to secure and convenient payment solutions, we believe that this partnership will help drive economic growth and improve the lives of millions of Somalis.” This collaboration aligns with Mastercard’s global mission to work with financial institutions in bringing more people into the digital economy.

Abdullahi Aden, the CEO of SomBank, expressed his excitement about the partnership and the prospect of making banking more accessible for customers. Aden stated, “Our partnership with Mastercard will enable us to offer our customers a seamless way to conduct transactions, whether they are purchasing goods and services, paying bills, or sending money to friends and family.” The introduction of digital payment solutions through the SomBank Card will undoubtedly enhance the financial experiences of Somalis and facilitate their participation in the economy.

The Mastercard and SomBank partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey toward financial inclusion in Somalia. By providing access to digital payment solutions, the collaboration aims to empower individuals by granting them access to essential financial services, such as savings, loans, and insurance. This will not only enhance the financial well-being of individuals but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.

As Somalia embraces the digital revolution in the financial sector, the introduction of the SomBank Card will bring numerous benefits to consumers. The convenience, security, and accessibility of digital payments will transform the way transactions are conducted, reducing the reliance on cash and enhancing financial efficiency. Moreover, the partnership between Mastercard and SomBank will facilitate economic growth by enabling individuals to participate more actively in the economy, leading to increased financial stability and prosperity.

With this partnership, Mastercard and SomBank have set a commendable example of collaboration between technology companies and financial institutions to drive positive change. Their efforts in bringing digital payment solutions to Somalia will pave the way for a more inclusive and connected society, where financial services are readily accessible to all.