SanuPay, a UAE-based payment processor, has collaborated with payments software platform OpenWay to introduce Ethiopia’s first locally issued credit card.
The credit card infrastructure is built on OpenWay’s Way4 platform, which offers card issuance, transaction acquiring, system switching, and the management of mobile wallets.
The scope of the project encompasses the distribution of four million debit and prepaid cards, in addition to 5,000 credit cards bearing the Visa and Mastercard insignia.
Furthermore, the initiative will see the installation of 10,000 POS terminals and the operation of 200 ATMs across Ethiopia, all integrated with the Way4 system.
OpenWay Sub-Saharan Africa regional director Hermann Mike said: “This collaboration with SanuPay reflects our commitment to empowering innovative financial institutions across Africa.
“By leveraging our Way4 platform, Ethiopia is not only launching its first domestic credit card but also laying the foundation for a modern, inclusive, and interoperable payments landscape.”
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By GlobalDataOromia Bank is slated to be the initial issuer of these new domestic credit cards, with the bank also preparing to offer a joint loyalty card in partnership with Sheba Miles.
SantimPay, which as a licenced payment system operator under the National Bank of Ethiopia, has supported the launch with infrastructure.
Beyond Ethiopia, SanuPay is pursuing opportunities to enhance financial services in the East African region.
In Kenya, the company is working with local banks and fintech firms to refine card processing systems and streamline remittance and cross-border payment processes.
Meanwhile, in Rwanda, SanuPay is equipping fintech entities with the capabilities to issue virtual cards, utilise tokenisation, and introduce digital wallets and mobile payment integrations.
SanuPay CEO Alfred Gachaga stated: “We have selected the best-in-class solution to provide best-in-class payment services in Ethiopia.
“By partnering with OpenWay and deploying Way4, SanuPay is enabling a new era of card issuing in Ethiopia and beyond—building resilient, scalable, and compliant infrastructure that supports Africa’s digital financial transformation.”
