Visa and Absa Reaffirm Alliance to Speed Up Digital Financial Services and Accessibility in Africa
Absa and Visa Renew Partnership to Drive Digital Financial Inclusion Across Africa
Absa and Visa have renewed their strategic partnership, aiming to accelerate the development of innovative, inclusive, secure, and digitally enabled financial payment ecosystems across Absa's Regional Operations (ARO). This partnership encompasses markets outside South Africa and focuses on expanding digital infrastructure, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), driving customer-centric innovations in cards and payments, and promoting financial inclusion.
The renewed collaboration between Absa and Visa leverages Visa's global technology expertise combined with Absa's regional innovation leadership to expand digital access and deliver breakthrough payment experiences across Africa. Saviour Chibiya, Chief Executive of Absa Regional Operations, stated that the partnership is building a financial ecosystem that reflects the pace of African economies.
One of the pioneering initiatives resulting from this partnership is the launch of Visa Direct for card-to-card domestic and international payments. This innovation marked a first in Mauritius, expanding digital payment experiences. The partnership has also introduced premium Visa Signature and Infinite metal cards, setting a new benchmark in premium banking with exclusive lifestyle benefits.
The renewed agreement places a strong emphasis on enabling SMEs with targeted solutions to improve access to credit, expand payment acceptance, and support responsible lending. In 2025, Absa launched Visa Business Credit Cards, a first in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering enhanced value through tailored benefits, spend controls, and virtual card issuance for business clients.
Omar Baig, Managing Executive of Absa Regional Operations Retail & Business Banking, stated that the partnership helps them deliver locally relevant solutions and deepen digital access for their customers. Lineshree Moodley, Country Head of Visa South Africa, expressed pride in the partnership with Absa, stating it champions a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital payments ecosystem.
Michael Berner, Head of Southern and East Africa at Visa, stated that the partnership aims to transform how individuals and businesses engage with financial services. The partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony in Johannesburg. Through this partnership, Absa and Visa are shaping the future of finance in Africa, one innovation, one business, and one customer at a time.
[1] Absa Press Release: Absa and Visa renew strategic partnership to drive innovation and financial inclusion across Absa's Regional Operations. (2022). Absa Group Limited. [2] Absa Group Limited. (2022). Absa Pay issuer wallets expand digital payment experiences, marking a first in Mauritius. [3] Absa Group Limited. (2022). Absa launches Visa Direct for domestic and international card-to-card payments, first in multiple African markets. [4] Absa Group Limited. (2022). Absa Business Banking launches Visa Business Credit Cards, first in Sub-Saharan Africa. [5] Absa Group Limited. (2022). Absa and Visa renew strategic partnership to drive innovation and financial inclusion across Absa's Regional Operations.
- The renewed partnership between Absa and Visa promises to reshape finance in Africa by focusing on technology-driven initiatives, such as expanding digital infrastructure and launching Visa Direct for domestic and international card-to-card payments.
- The strategic alliance is not only about promoting digital financial inclusion but also empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through targeted solutions for improved credit access and payment acceptance.
- Leveraging Visa's global technology expertise and Absa's regional innovation leadership, the collaboration aims to transform business operations, as seen with the introduction of premium Visa Signature and Infinite metal cards offering exclusive lifestyle benefits.
