• Egypt licenses fintech Tpay as the country’s approved Direct Carrier Billing provider for government payments

• Citizens can pay electricity bills, traffic fines and civil registry fees using mobile airtime or monthly bills

• The initiative targets financial inclusion amid 120 million mobile subscriptions and 109% penetration

Mobile payments continue to strengthen financial inclusion across Africa. Millions of people hold mobile phones and mobile money accounts while lacking access to traditional bank accounts. This gap positions telecom-based payment systems as a critical channel for expanding access to essential financial services.

Egyptian financial technology company Tpay signed an agreement with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to become Egypt’s licensed Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) provider for government-related payments. Authorities announced the agreement on Thursday, December 11.

The agreement, signed by Tpay Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Nabil and NTRA Chairman Mohamed Shamroukh, authorizes Tpay to enable citizens to pay a wide range of government services using mobile phone balances or monthly telecom bills. These services include electricity bills, traffic fines and civil registry fees.

Tpay stated that the initiative aims to simplify public service payments by eliminating the need for bank cards or in-person transactions.

Tpay Group Chief Executive Officer Isik Uman described the license as a milestone in building Egypt’s national digital payment infrastructure.

“Through this licensed framework, we are laying the foundation for a national digital payment channel that expands access, enhances convenience, and supports Egypt’s rapidly evolving digital economy,” Uman said in a statement.

The initiative places financial inclusion at its core. The system targets Egyptians who own mobile phones but lack access to traditional banking services.

In September 2025, Egypt recorded more than 120 million mobile subscriptions, representing a mobile penetration rate of about 109%. This widespread mobile connectivity provides a scalable platform to reach underserved populations with digital payment solutions.

The licensing agreement positions Tpay as Egypt’s leading facilitator of mobile-based government payments. Tpay operates under a bank-independent model that integrates directly with government systems. This structure expands access to a broader user base, including unbanked populations, and gives Tpay a clear advantage over bank-dependent fintech competitors.

The move aligns with Egypt’s broader push to digitize public services and expand financial inclusion. Authorities continue to leverage high mobile penetration to extend access to essential government transactions across all segments of society.

Isaac K. Kassouwi