Egyptian Meeza cardholders could eventually use their cards in African markets connected to PAPSS Card. Meanwhile, African travelers could use linked local cards in Egypt.

The planned link between Egypt’s national payment scheme and PAPSS Card would allow cross-border card payments in local currencies. Moreover, the project is still in its early stages.

Why You Should Care

The planned integration could expand the reach of Egypt’s domestic card network beyond the local market while giving travelers an additional way to make payments across Africa.

Instead of arranging foreign currency before traveling, cardholders would be able to pay in the local currency of the country they are visiting. Additionally, transactions will be settled through infrastructure connecting the two systems. The initiative could also create a framework for supporting card products for individuals, companies, and merchants.

The Details

In an interview with Alarabiya Business,  Mike Ogbalu, CEO of the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), said Afreximbank is working to connect PAPSS Card with Egypt’s Meeza network. This will allow cards issued by both sides to be used in a larger number of African countries.

The project remains in its early stages. Its first phase will focus on connecting the infrastructure behind the two systems and establishing a financial settlement layer.

Once implemented, Egyptian Meeza cards could be accepted in African countries where PAPSS Card operates. The arrangement would work in both directions, allowing cards connected to PAPSS Card to be used in Egypt.

The planned setup is designed around local currency payments. A traveler would pay in the currency of the country they are visiting, while the transaction would be settled through the connected payment infrastructure. Moreover, the PAPSS Card intends to complement Meeza rather than compete with it.

The shared infrastructure could support several types of cards. This includes debit cards linked to bank accounts and prepaid cards, with the possibility of supporting credit cards.

Ogbalu did not disclose a date for making the service available, particularly since the project is still at the stage of procedures and integration. He further explained that Egyptian Banks Company (EBC), which is responsible for operating the Meeza network and the InstaPay system, will announce the date when the service becomes available after completing the technical and operational arrangements.

The Ripple

The initiative would connect Egypt’s domestic card infrastructure with a broader African payments network, potentially increasing the number of markets where Meeza cards can be used.

For African travelers visiting Egypt, the reciprocal arrangement could provide another option for making payments using cards issued in their home markets.

It also fits within the broader PAPSS infrastructure, which includes instant cross-border payments and a local currency market designed to facilitate payments and trade between African countries.

What to Watch

The integration is expected to broaden payment connectivity between Egypt and African markets as the two systems are linked. As the technical work progresses, the launch of the service will open more options for Egyptian cardholders traveling across Africa and for African visitors making payments in Egypt.