In a move to deepen its footprint across West Africa, Mastercard has launched its first office in Accra, Ghana. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion, accelerating digital transformation, and driving economic growth in the region.
The new office enables Mastercard to work more closely with Ghanaian stakeholders, offering customized financial solutions and leveraging its global expertise to address local market needs.
“Opening our office in Ghana marks an important milestone in our commitment to deepening relationships across the region. Our growth strategy for West Africa is ambitious, and establishing a formal presence here allows us to better serve the specific needs of our customers. We are eager to shape the future of payments and financial services in this dynamic market,” said Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard.
Ghana, with its GDP per capita of USD 2,238 in 2023 and rapid growth in sectors like agriculture, mining, and digital infrastructure, offers a promising landscape for Mastercard’s West African ambitions.
“Ghana presents a tremendous opportunity for Mastercard to enhance its geographical presence. We are committed to fostering an ecosystem that contributes positively to the local economy and technological advancement,” added Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa.
Mastercard has already made significant strides in Ghana through collaborations with fintech innovators like Kalabash, KaiOS, Boost, and Smile ID. These partnerships, along with alliances with major banks such as Access Bank and Fidelity Bank, have enhanced cross-border payment systems and expanded access to digital financial services for underserved communities.
Programs like the Mastercard Fintech Forum and the Fraud and Cyber Resilience Forum further demonstrate the company’s dedication to fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges in Ghana’s financial ecosystem.
The new Accra office joins Mastercard’s existing network of operations in Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and Mauritius. This expansion reflects Mastercard’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable digital economy across Africa, aligning with its goal of creating lasting economic and technological benefits.
Through its growing regional presence and collaborative initiatives, Mastercard aims to reinforce Ghana’s role as a hub for digital innovation in West Africa while advancing the continent’s financial inclusion and technological transformation.