Mastercard & QNB Group partner to perform international payment card transaction in Sudan

By Pavithra R

QNB Group, a financial institution in the Middle East and Africa in partnership with Mastercard, has performed an international payment card transaction in Sudan.

According to the company, QNB is also the first Bank in Sudan to have obtained an issuance license from Mastercard. The transaction was performed using Mastercard virtual prepaid card product. The successful completion of the international prepaid card transaction marks an important and historic milestone for QNB and Mastercard’s strategic plans in Sudan and across Africa.

Through the partnership, QNB issues and accepts the Mastercard-branded payment cards in Sudan, enabling people and businesses across the country experience a secure and convenient way to pay locally and globally. The collaboration aims to trigger more people in Sudan to join the global interoperable payment ecosystem while strengthening the trade and business locally. The QNB Mastercard product is a secure and innovative digital payment solution that is accepted globally, including e-commerce websites.

“We are delighted to have partnered with the Sudanese authorities and Mastercard on achieving this historic milestone. QNB Group is fully committed to investing and growing the payments landscape in Sudan, which will have a positive impact on the economic growth of the country. We look forward to bringing about best practices and market-centric strategies which will eventually benefit our customers in Sudan,” said Ms Heba Al-Tamimi, General Manager, QNB Group Retail.

According to the World Bank’s trading across borders 2020 indicator, out of 190 countries, Sudan ranks 171 regarding ease of doing business. The partnership also expects to provide a convenient channel to pay for goods and services to expand their businesses, and bank customers will be able to shop online, withdraw funds from Mastercard enabled ATMs globally, and pay for products and services at millions of merchants that accept Mastercard payment cards globally.

Mastercard recently partnered with Netcash to launch QR code billing service.

“As we prepare for a post-COVID-19 reality, it is imperative to offer people across the region easy access to the digital economy to help drive inclusion and create new opportunities for all. In line with our recent commitment to include 1 billion people to the digital economy by 2025, Mastercard is working to open new markets and create a more connected future. We are delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with Qatar National Bank as we enable international cross border transaction in Sudan and will continue to work closely with our partners to drive the evolution of the payment ecosystem, “said Khalid Elgibali, Division President MENA, Mastercard.

Based in Khartoum, QNB Sudan’s first branch was established in 2008. The bank provides several personal banking services and products, along with business banking solutions. QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to over 31 countries across three continents, providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services.