Mastercard has announced a series of strategic agreements in Ethiopia, partnering with StarPay Financial Services and Choice Microfinance Institution.

Both entities are part of the EagleLion System Technology Group, indicating a concerted effort to establish an integrated digital finance ecosystem that covers payments and lending across the country.

Expanding Digital Finance in Ethiopia

Under the reseller agreement, StarPay will market, distribute, and resell Mastercard’s payment solutions in Ethiopia. This move positions StarPay as a key distributor of Mastercard’s infrastructure within the local market. The collaboration aims to expand digital payment adoption, enhance merchant access, and enable cross-border transaction capabilities for businesses and consumers in Ethiopia. StarPay launched earlier this year in 2026 with support from the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

The agreement with Choice Microfinance focuses on introducing Mastercard-enabled financial services to underserved segments. The initiative will prioritize access to digital credit and inclusive banking solutions, contributing to a broader financial inclusion strategy.

The agreements were signed at a joint ceremony attended by senior executives from Mastercard and EagleLion. Shehryar Bakht Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard, signed on behalf of the company alongside Ledetu Tekle, CEO of StarPay.

These partnerships reflect growing momentum in Ethiopia’s financial technology sector, where there is increasing demand for interoperable and internationally connected payment systems as part of broader digital economic development.