Mastercard and AXIAN Launch Digital Payments Across Five African Markets
Mastercard and AXIAN Group will roll out digital payment solutions across Tanzania, Senegal, Madagascar, Togo, and the Union of the Comoros. The partnership introduces virtual and physical cards, merchant-acquiring services, and mobile-driven payments through AXIAN’s Mixx and MVola platforms. Users can activate cards, track transactions, and access international services, boosting access in countries with low banking penetration.
Regional Markets Show Varied Readiness
Erwan Gelebart, Chief Executive Officer of AXIAN’s Digibank and Fintech cluster, stated the vision is to be at the center of Africa’s digital revolution. He noted the collaboration with Mastercard gives customers tools to thrive in today’s interconnected world. Africa’s digital payments economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, creating conditions for fintech-driven entertainment and online wagering.
Tanzania leads the region with the Gaming Board regulating land-based and online betting. The board targets $9.22 million in revenue for 2025/26. Four-year collections reached $96 million, with online iGaming projected at $7.37 million.
Regulatory Frameworks Differ Across Markets
Madagascar allows land-based casinos under the 1998 Gambling Act but lacks online regulations. Offshore platforms dominate, generating $100,000 to $250,000 in revenue. Togo’s Loterie Nationale oversees land-based gambling, while online betting remains unregulated, with the market exceeding $30 million in 2024.
Senegal has a strong land-based sector generating $440 million in 2022, including lotteries, casinos, and sports betting. Online gambling remains lightly regulated, though proposed mobile-money tax measures in 2025 reflect growing links with digital payments. The Union of the Comoros has minimal gambling oversight, leaving the market largely unregulated.
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