Global digital payments giant Visa has signed a five-year strategic agreement with FMB Capital Holdings, marking a major step towards accelerating digital payment adoption and financial inclusion across Southern Africa.
The landmark partnership brings together FMB Capital Holdings subsidiaries operating in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe under a unified framework aimed at strengthening digital payment ecosystems in the region.
The agreement comes at a time when digital payment adoption is gaining momentum across Africa, driven by increased smartphone penetration, fintech innovation and growing demand for secure and convenient payment solutions. While cash remains dominant in many Southern African markets, industry experts say the transition towards digital and cashless economies is gathering pace.
Speaking on the partnership, Visa Central Southern Africa Cluster Hea, Salome Makau said the collaboration would help scale digital payments and support economic growth across the region.
“This partnership marks a step change in how we scale digital payments across Southern Africa. Our focus is not just on enabling transactions, but on building the underlying infrastructure and capabilities that allow economies to grow more digitally, inclusively and competitively,” she said.
“By deepening our collaboration with FMBcapital Holdings, we are extending the reach of secure, innovative payment solutions to more individuals and businesses, unlocking new opportunities for commerce, trade and economic resilience across the region.”
Under the agreement, Visa and FMBcapital Holdings will work together to strengthen digital payment infrastructure, expand access to secure Visa-powered solutions for consumers and businesses, and facilitate faster and safer transactions.
The partnership is also expected to support the growth of e-commerce, improve cross-border payments and promote regional trade through the adoption of next-generation payment technologies tailored to evolving customer needs.
FMBcapital Holdings Group Managing Director Jaco Viljoen described the agreement as a significant milestone in the group’s vision to shape the future of banking and payments across Southern Africa.
“This strategic partnership with Visa represents a significant milestone in our journey to shape the future of banking and payments across Southern Africa,” he said.
“As customer expectations evolve and digital ecosystems continue to expand, our focus remains on providing seamless, secure and innovative financial solutions that enable our customers to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”
Viljoen said combining Visa’s global expertise with First Capital Bank Group’s regional footprint would create a strong platform to accelerate digital transformation, deepen financial inclusion and unlock new opportunities for businesses and consumers.
The two organisations said the partnership would contribute to building a more connected, inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem while supporting sustainable economic growth across the markets they serve.
