Hassanein Hiridjee’s AXIAN joins Mastercard to boost Africa payments

AXIAN Group, the Madagascar-based conglomerate led by Hassanein Hiridjee, has entered a new partnership with Mastercard to roll out digital payment tools across Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Comoros and Senegal. 

The effort introduces virtual and physical cards, along with merchant services tied to AXIAN’s Mixx and MVola brands. The companies say the products will help consumers, small businesses and independent workers pay and receive money securely from their mobile phones.

Mete Guney, Mastercard’s executive vice president for Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the deal reflects a wider shift on the continent. “Across Africa, technology is unlocking new ways to connect people to opportunity,” he said. “This partnership shows how we are enabling simple and secure ways to make payments and move money. We remain committed to working with innovative players like AXIAN to advance financial inclusion.”

Tools for everyday use 

The Mixx and MVola apps give users more control over their transactions. With the app, customers can activate and top up a virtual card, check real-time exchange rates, monitor payments or cancel them immediately if needed. The companies say the tools are designed to make cross-border and online payments faster and safer for people who often rely on cash. 

Erwan Gelebart, CEO of AXIAN’s Digibank and Fintech unit, said the group aims to make digital finance more practical for day-to-day needs. “Our goal is to bring services that fit how people live and work,” he said. “Through this collaboration, we are giving our customers the tools they need to manage their money, shop online, send funds across borders or run a business securely from a mobile app.” 

Expanding a regional footprint 

AXIAN, active in six African markets, has been widening its presence in telecoms, banking, energy and digital services. Under Hiridjee, the group acquired Wananchi Group for about $63 million, adding fiber and long-haul networks serving companies and government clients in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The purchase strengthens AXIAN’s ability to offer cloud, data and IoT services across the region. 

The company recently rebranded its fintech operations as Digibank & Fintech, reflecting plans to expand mobile money and digital banking. AXIAN also joined a $3.5 million funding round for France-based Nucleon Security, which develops AI-based cyber-defense tools for financial institutions and enterprises.