Under this partnership, Unified Payments is appointed as:

Processor of PAPSS co-branded cards under the recently launched PAPSSCARD, the first Pan-African card Scheme.

This enables banks and deposit-taking institutions to use the services of UP to issue PAPSS co-branded cards and also accept the cards at their outlets including Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and merchant locations.

Acquirer of PAPSSCARD for co-branded cards. This enables merchants who are customers of UP to welcome PAPSS co-branded cards as a means of payment for their goods and services.

A Switch for instant payments across Africa on the PAPSS network. This enables customers of banks and deposit-taking institutions who are clients of UP to send and receive instant payments across Africa

In demonstration of UP’s cross-enterprise alliances and capabilities, UP will be the first entity in Nigeria to enable merchants to accept co-branded cards under the PAPSSCARD scheme as means of payment for goods and services at merchants’ locations. This is in addition to enabling instant cross border transaction/fund transfers across Africa.

Unified Payments will accept PAPSSCARD across its networks under the terms of the partnership agreement.

Dr. Agada Apochi, managing director and CEO of UP Group, said that UP is delighted to contribute to the ease of doing business in Nigeria and across Africa through the partnership with PAPSS.

“This is a testament to the position of UP as a shared industry infrastructure and promoter of cross-enterprise alliances”, he said.

Mike Ogbalu, chief executive officer of the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS), expressed his enthusiasm regarding the recently established partnership with UP in Nigeria, an important market for Pan-African payments.

He also praised the collaborative efforts and outstanding achievements of the UP team in delivering a successful Proof of Concept exclusively for the Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2025 (AAM2025) in Abuja, Nigeria.

This initiative provided selected guests with the opportunity to experience the PAPSSCARD.

That vision came to life in Abuja, as Africa launched its very first Pan-African payment card — the PAPSSCARD.

At the grand gathering of the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings, beneath the bright lights and hopeful eyes, leaders, innovators, and visionaries unveiled what might become one of the most transformative tools in Africa’s financial future.

For decades, every swipe and click made by African consumers silently traveled through foreign lands — through global payment systems that charged high fees and siphoned away control. But now, Africa is reclaiming its own story, one transaction at a time.

What Is PAPSSCARD?

At its core, PAPSSCARD is more than plastic and chips. It’s a symbol of sovereignty.

Created by Afreximbank, in partnership with PAPSS (Pan-African Payment and Settlement System) and Mercury Payment Services, this card will allow seamless, secure, and low-cost retail payments across African borders — all while keeping value, data, and control right here on the continent.

Why It Matters

Until now, most African card transactions had to pass through systems based in Europe or America, incurring unnecessary charges, delays, and data vulnerabilities.

But PAPSSCARD is different.

It’s processed entirely within Africa.
It speaks the financial language of the continent.
And it’s designed for how Africa trades, travels, and grows.

“This card is about more than money. It’s about autonomy,” said Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank.
“It will power intra-African trade and protect the economic dignity of our people.”

A Chorus of Confidence

From the boardroom to the marketplace, leaders across sectors echoed the sentiment:

• Mike Ogbalu III, CEO of PAPSS, called it a “symbol of progress.”
• Muzaffer Khokhar, chairman of Mercury Payment Services, described it as “a bold stride toward financial sovereignty.”
• And John Bosco Sebabi, acting CEO of PAPSSCARD, reminded everyone: “This isn’t just for big banks — it’s for the merchant in Accra, the tailor in Kigali, and the traveler crossing borders with ease.”

Built in Africa, For Africa

The pilot rollout began with issuing banks in Rwanda and Nigeria, and more are joining quickly. Powered by Smart Cash, Rswitch, Unified Payments, and others, the system is primed to scale continent-wide.

More than a card, PAPSSCARD is the infrastructure of African dreams — part of a wider AfCFTA vision to unlock a single African market through integrated trade and digital finance.

The Future, Swiped

In a continent of 1.4 billion people, PAPSSCARD could become the most important card in your wallet — one that reflects not just your identity, but your continent’s pride.

Africa is no longer waiting to be included.
It is building its own systems.
And this card is just the beginning.

Want to learn more or get involved in the PAPSSCARD movement?
Visit here.