Standard Bank and UnionPay expand e-Commerce for merchants in Ghana, eight other African markets

Nine African countries including Ghana will benefit from a partnership between Standard Bank Group and Union Pay International.

According to a press release from Standard Bank copied to Ghana Business News, the two entities have expanded UnionPay e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, enabling participating merchants to accept secure online payments from UnionPay cardholders. That would also give businesses broader access to cross-border consumer demand, it added.

The release indicated that the expanded capability will strengthen digital commerce across Africa by helping merchants offer more payment choice, reduce checkout friction and serve international travellers, cross-border shoppers and businesses transacting across multiple markets.

“Through the partnership, online merchants in Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe can now offer secure UnionPay e-commerce acceptance, with nearly 900 participating merchants across the continent,” it said.

Commenting, Bill Blackie, Chief Executive for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group said:  “African businesses are increasingly selling beyond their domestic markets and the ability to accept trusted international payment methods is becoming essential to that growth. By enabling UnionPay e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, Standard Bank is helping merchants reduce payment friction, reach more customers and participate more effectively in cross-border digital commerce. This partnership reflects our commitment to using our African footprint and digital capabilities to unlock practical growth opportunities for businesses across the continent.”

The release also stated that building on this collaboration announced by Standard Bank and UnionPay in 2024, this latest expansion comes as African businesses increasingly seek to serve customers beyond their domestic markets, supported by the continued growth of e-commerce, travel, tourism and regional trade.

For merchants, the ability to accept internationally recognised payment methods online can help improve conversion, increase customer reach and support participation in cross-border digital commerce, the release said.

It also said UnionPay cards are accepted in 183 countries and regions, including 51 countries in Africa, and are issued in 85 countries and regions globally. There are approximately seven million cards issued across Africa.

“UnionPay International is committed to expanding the reach and usability of our payment network across Africa. Our collaboration with Standard Bank enables more merchants to accept UnionPay online and gives UnionPay cardholders greater choice and convenience when transacting with African businesses. Together, we are supporting safer, simpler and more connected digital commerce across the region,” says Mr Feng Chen, General Manager at UnionPay International Africa Branch.

Supported by Standard Bank’s African presence, the expanded acceptance capability is locally relevant, regionally scalable and connected to international customer flows, the release added.

By Emmanuel K Dogbevi

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