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SanuPay, an East Africa-based card technology firm, has partnered with global digital payment software provider OpenWay to introduce Ethiopia’s first domestic credit card—an initiative set to transform the country’s financial services landscape.
The rollout, backed by licensed payment system operator SantimPay, marks a pivotal step in Ethiopia’s journey toward a cashless economy. As part of the plan, SanuPay aims to issue four million debit and prepaid cards and 5,000 Visa and Mastercard credit cards, all powered by OpenWay’s advanced Way4 digital payment platform.
Oromia Bank is expected to be the first financial institution to issue the new domestic credit cards. Additionally, the bank is planning to launch a co-branded loyalty card in partnership with Sheba Miles, Ethiopia’s frequent flyer program.
To support the expansion, SanuPay will deploy 10,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals and 200 ATMs across the country—further modernizing Ethiopia’s retail payment ecosystem using the Way4 system. The platform supports issuing, acquiring, switching, and digital wallet functionalities, and is widely recognized for its flexibility and scalability.
The firm’s vision extends beyond Ethiopia. In Kenya, SanuPay is collaborating with banks and fintechs to enhance card processing and facilitate cross-border payments and remittance services. Meanwhile, in Rwanda, it is supporting fintech players with virtual card issuance, tokenization solutions, and mobile payment infrastructure.
OpenWay’s Way4 platform, already used by leading institutions such as Equity Bank, enables financial providers to rapidly adapt to changing market demands through configurable services, minimizing the need for custom development.
While credit card penetration in Africa remains limited—often overshadowed by mobile wallets—this domestic issuance represents a shift in both technological capabilities and regulatory openness. It also signals Ethiopia’s growing commitment to expanding access to formal financial services.
SanuPay CEO Alfred Gachaga stated:
“We have selected a best-in-class solution to deliver premium payment services in Ethiopia. Through our collaboration with OpenWay and the deployment of Way4, we are laying the foundation for resilient, scalable, and compliant infrastructure to support Africa’s digital financial transformation.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hermann Mike, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at OpenWay, commented:
“Our collaboration with SanuPay underscores our mission to empower innovative financial institutions across Africa. Launching Ethiopia’s first domestic credit card is a milestone—one that will foster a modern, inclusive, and interoperable payments ecosystem.”
The development positions SanuPay as a key enabler of financial innovation in the region, showcasing how strategic partnerships between local fintech firms and global technology providers can accelerate digital payment adoption across Africa.
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