Standard Bank unlocks cross-border e-commerce

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – STANDARD Bank Group and UnionPay International have expanded online payment acceptance across nine African markets, opening new cross-border e-commerce opportunities for merchants seeking to reach international customers.

The partnership enables online businesses in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe to accept secure UnionPay payments, with nearly 900 merchants now participating across the continent.

The expansion builds on the banks’ collaboration announced in 2024 and comes as African businesses increasingly look beyond domestic markets amid rising e-commerce, tourism, travel and regional trade.

For merchants, broader payment acceptance can help reduce friction at checkout, improve conversion and make it easier for international shoppers and travellers to transact. Businesses can process e-commerce payments in local currency, US dollars or both, depending on market requirements.

Bill Blackie, Chief Executive for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group, said the ability to accept trusted international payment methods was becoming increasingly important for African businesses expanding beyond their home markets.

“By enabling UnionPay e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, Standard Bank is helping merchants reduce payment friction, reach more customers and participate more effectively in cross-border digital commerce,” Blackie said.

The initiative gives merchants access to UnionPay’s international network, whose cards are accepted in 183 countries and regions, including 51 African markets.

UnionPay cards are issued in 85 countries and regions globally, with approximately seven million cards issued across Africa.

Feng Chen, General Manager of UnionPay International Africa Branch, said the partnership would give UnionPay cardholders greater choice while helping merchants participate in increasingly connected digital markets.

“Together, we are supporting safer, simpler and more connected digital commerce across the region,” Chen said.

The expanded capability is expected to support businesses across sectors including hospitality, tourism, retail and e-commerce.

By offering customers additional online payment options and internationally recognised authentication standards, the partners said merchants could strengthen the checkout experience and confidence in digital transactions.

The deal also highlights the growing importance of payment infrastructure in facilitating trade across Africa.

Standard Bank’s extensive regional footprint provides a platform for linking merchants to both African and international consumers, potentially helping businesses capture demand beyond their traditional markets.

For UnionPay, the expansion strengthens its African footprint and extends the reach of its payment network among merchants and consumers participating in the continent’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The partnership reflects a broader shift towards more integrated cross-border commerce, as African businesses increasingly seek digital tools capable of connecting them with customers across national borders.

– CAJ News