Visa has awarded Safaricom Plc a Payment Facilitator certificate, marking a pivotal advancement in their partnership. This achievement highlights their joint commitment to expanding digital payment solutions and strengthening Kenya's merchant network.
Since launching the M-PESA Global Pay Virtual Visa Card in June 2022, the collaboration between Visa and Safaricom has steadily grown. With the new Payment Facilitator certificate, Safaricom can now offer a broader range of payment options through Visa’s Cyber Source Payment Gateway. This integration allows Safaricom’s extensive network of over 600,000 merchants to accept card payments from all major card networks, significantly enhancing their payment acceptance capabilities.
Chad Pollock, General Manager and Vice President at Visa East Africa, expressed his excitement about the development. “We are thrilled to present the Payment Facilitator certificate to Safaricom and elevate our partnership,” Pollock said. “This collaboration highlights our dedication to delivering advanced payment solutions that drive growth and efficiency for merchants. Previously, we introduced the M-PESA consumers to global payments with the GlobalPay Visa Virtual Card. Now, we are enabling over 600,000 merchants to access a wider consumer base.”
Visa’s Cyber Source Payment Gateway plays a crucial role in this initiative. It provides merchants with a seamless, secure, and efficient method for processing card payments, fostering a more inclusive and versatile payment environment. Supporting multiple card networks, the gateway aligns perfectly with Safaricom’s goal to diversify payment options for its merchants.
Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “Our collaboration with Visa has been key in enhancing our payment capabilities. Introducing card payments through Visa’s Cyber Source gateway demonstrates our shared vision of empowering merchants with diverse and secure payment options. At Safaricom, we are dedicated to developing comprehensive solutions for our clients, and this milestone will strengthen our value proposition for merchants in both online and face-to-face transactions.”
The partnership is set to bring significant benefits to Safaricom’s merchant network. By integrating Visa’s cutting-edge payment technologies, merchants can offer more flexible payment options, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased transaction volumes. This initiative supports Safaricom’s ongoing efforts to innovate and improve its financial services, ensuring that merchants are well-prepared to meet the demands of the digital economy.
Moreover, the Payment Facilitator certification is a substantial enhancement of Safaricom’s ability to deliver comprehensive payment solutions. As the financial landscape increasingly shifts towards digital platforms, such collaborations are essential for facilitating smooth transitions and helping merchants adapt to new payment trends effortlessly.
In conclusion, Visa’s awarding of the Payment Facilitator certificate to Safaricom is a landmark achievement that highlights Safaricom’s expanding role in the digital payments arena. It signifies a strong commitment to providing secure and robust payment solutions while empowering a vast network of merchants. As Safaricom continues to innovate and broaden its offerings, this partnership with Visa is set to significantly influence the future of payments in Kenya and beyond.
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