• tpay has partnered with the government to provide Direct Carrier Billing for government payments like utilities and fines.
• The mobile-based system simplifies payments, helping unbanked citizens transact without cards or physical visits.
• tpay’s direct integration with government services gives it a competitive lead and supports Egypt’s digital transformation.

Egyptian financial technology firm tpay has entered into an agreement with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to become the country’s licensed provider of Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) for government-related payments. The announcement was made on December 11.

The agreement, signed by tpay General Manager Ahmed Nabil and NTRA President Mohamed Shamroukh, authorizes the company to enable citizens to pay for a range of government services—such as electricity bills, traffic fines, and civil registry fees—using their mobile phone balance or monthly bill.

According to tpay, the initiative aims to simplify the payment process for public services by removing the need for bank cards or in-person transactions. The system allows users to complete payments through their mobile devices at any time.

tpay Group CEO Isik Uman described the development as a step toward establishing a national digital payment infrastructure. “Through this licensed framework, we are laying the foundation for a national digital payment channel that broadens access, improves convenience, and supports Egypt's evolving digital economy,” Uman said in a statement.

The initiative is designed with financial inclusion in mind. It offers a lifeline to Egyptians who own mobile phones but lack access to traditional banking services. As of September 2025, Egypt reported over 120 million mobile phone subscriptions, translating to a penetration rate of approximately 109%. This widespread mobile connectivity provides a powerful platform for reaching underserved populations with digital payment solutions.

This licensing agreement positions tpay as Egypt's primary facilitator for mobile-based government payments. Its bank-agnostic model integrates directly with government systems, expanding access to a wider user base—including unbanked populations, giving it a clear edge over bank-reliant fintech competitors.

The move aligns with Egypt's broader push toward digitalization of public services and financial inclusion, leveraging the country's high mobile penetration to extend access to essential government transactions across all segments of society.

Hikmatu Bilali