Standard Bank Group and UnionPay International have partnered to expand UnionPay e-commerce acceptance to nine African markets, giving online businesses access to UnionPay cardholders and more options for accepting cross-border payments.
The expansion covers Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with nearly 900 merchants across Africa now participating in the UnionPay e-commerce network.
The partnership allows eligible merchants to accept UnionPay card payments online, helping businesses serve international customers, including travelers, cross-border shoppers and companies operating across African markets.
For merchants, the expanded payment capability provides an additional way to process international transactions and can help reduce barriers at online checkout. Businesses can accept payments in local currencies, US dollars or both, depending on the market.
The move comes as e-commerce and cross-border trade continue to create new opportunities for African businesses looking to reach customers outside their home markets.
Additionally, online payment acceptance is increasingly important for retailers, hospitality businesses, tourism operators and e-commerce platforms serving international customers.
UnionPay cards are accepted across 183 countries and regions, while the payment network has issued cards in 85 markets. In Africa, about seven million UnionPay cards are in circulation, giving participating merchants access to a wider pool of potential customers.
The latest expansion builds on a partnership between Standard Bank and UnionPay announced in 2024 and draws on Standard Bank’s operations across the continent to extend UnionPay’s online payment capabilities to more businesses.
“African businesses are increasingly selling beyond their domestic markets and the ability to accept trusted international payment methods is becoming essential to that growth,” said Bill Blackie, Chief Executive for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group.
He added that the expansion would help merchants increase visibility and participate in cross-border digital commerce while using Standard Bank’s regional infrastructure and digital capabilities.
Feng Chen, General Manager of UnionPay International Africa Branch, said the partnership would give more businesses the ability to accept UnionPay payments online while providing cardholders with greater payment choice when transacting with African merchants.
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