Standard Bank and UnionPay expand e-commerce across 9 African markets

The Standard Bank Group and UnionPay International (UPI) have expanded UnionPay e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets,  as the continent’s businesses increasingly seek to serve customers beyond their domestic markets, supported by the continued growth of e-commerce, travel, tourism and regional trade.

The move will enable participating merchants to accept secure online payments from UnionPay cardholders, giving businesses broader access to cross-border consumer demand.

Standard Bank and UnionPay confirmed this in a joint statement on Wednesday, building on the collaboration announced in 2024.

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The expanded capability is set to strengthen digital commerce across Africa by helping merchants offer more payment choice, reduce checkout friction and serve international travellers, cross-border shoppers and businesses transacting across multiple markets.

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Through the partnership, online merchants in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe can now offer secure UnionPay e-commerce acceptance, with nearly 900 participating merchants across the continent.

For merchants, the ability to accept internationally recognised payment methods online can help improve conversion, increase customer reach and support participation in cross-border digital commerce.

UnionPay cards are accepted in 183 countries and regions, including 51 countries in Africa, and are issued in 85 countries and regions globally.

UnionPay’s African footprint includes approximately 7 million cards issued across the continent, creating additional opportunities for merchants to reach consumers travelling, trading and transacting across borders.

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“African businesses are increasingly selling beyond their domestic markets and the ability to accept trusted international payment methods is becoming essential to that growth,” said Bill Blackie, chief executive for business and commercial banking at Standard Bank.

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“This partnership reflects our commitment to using our African footprint and digital capabilities to unlock practical growth opportunities for businesses across the continent.”

The expanded acceptance capability is expected to benefit a broad range of businesses, including hospitality and tourism operators, retailers and e-commerce platforms.

“By giving customers more ways to pay online and supporting internationally recognised authentication standards, the solution helps merchants improve the checkout experience while strengthening confidence in digital transactions,” Blackie added.

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