• Ethio Telecom, Mastercard discuss expanding cross-border payments partnership
• Collaboration targets remittances, fintech integration, multi-currency liquidity access
• Move supports growth beyond domestic market amid rising African payments demand

State-owned Ethio Telecom is seeking to strengthen its partnership with payment solutions provider Mastercard as Ethiopia’s legacy operator aims to expand its presence in international financial services.

The strategy was discussed during a meeting held on Wednesday, April 8, between Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru and a Mastercard delegation led by Shehryar Ali, the company’s Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa.

Ethio telecom and Mastercard Align on Progress and Advance Future-Ready International Digital Financial Solutions

Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru held a high-level strategic discussion with a Mastercard delegation led by Mr. Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President 1/9 pic.twitter.com/i3lvGI6csM

— Ethio telecom (@ethiotelecom) April 8, 2026

According to Ethio Telecom, the collaboration will help develop cross-border payments and remittance services, while creating new opportunities for customers and businesses.

Discussions focused on deepening integration between Ethio Telecom’s digital capabilities and Mastercard’s global network. The objective is to deploy fintech solutions, improve access to multi-currency liquidity, and streamline international financial flows.

Both parties also agreed to simplify integration processes and accelerate development and time-to-market for new products.

The move builds on a partnership formalised in March 2025, aimed at leveraging their respective platforms to enhance digital financial services, expand financial inclusion, and support sustainable growth.

Before partnering with Mastercard, Ethio Telecom had already worked with Visa on international financial services. That collaboration led to the launch in August 2024 of a virtual payment card, as well as the money transfer solutions Telebirr Remit and Visa Direct.

Through these alliances, the operator is looking to move beyond its domestic market—where it already has a strong presence—to tap into growing demand for international payments and remittances.

According to a report by venture capital firm Oui Capital published in May 2025, Africa’s cross-border payments market could reach $1,000 billion by 2035, up from $329 billion in 2025. Mobile money is expected to play a central role in this growth.

Isaac K. Kassouwi