• Mastercard teams up with SmileID to roll out secure digital identity solutions

• The deal integrates SmileID’s verification tools into Mastercard’s ecosystem

• Partnership aims to fight identity fraud and boost digital inclusion across Africa

US payments operator Mastercard announced on September 25 a new partnership with SmileID, a pan-African start-up specializing in digital identity verification. The collaboration is designed to speed up the rollout of secure identity solutions across Africa by integrating SmileID’s tools into Mastercard’s technology ecosystem.

“This partnership with Smile ID is a pivotal step in advancing digital trust and inclusion across Africa. As fragmented identity systems slow down businesses and lock millions out of the digital economy, Smile ID’s innovative identity platform complements Mastercard’s commitment to fostering secure and inclusive digital ecosystems,” said Selin Bahadirli, Mastercard’s executive vice president for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The initiative follows another agreement signed in September 2024, focused on merchants, which aimed to simplify onboarding, cut processing time, and improve security for acquirers. By combining Mastercard’s global reach with SmileID’s local expertise in document verification, biometrics, and fraud detection, the new deal is expected to help curb identity fraud, including synthetic identities.

The success of this partnership, however, will depend on factors such as local regulatory compliance and user trust in biometric processes.