AfDB, Visa partner to boost digital inclusion and cybersecurity in Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a strategic partnership with global payments technology company Visa to accelerate digital inclusion across Africa.

The agreement, formalized during the AfDB’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, outlines a broad initiative aimed at addressing digital affordability, identity access, and cybersecurity infrastructure across the continent.

The partnership will focus on three central pillars: improving access to affordable digital devices, expanding secure and scalable digital identity systems, and reinforcing cybersecurity within Africa’s evolving financial landscape.

One of the initiative’s key priorities is to close the gap between mobile connectivity and actual digital usage. Despite significant progress in mobile network coverage, the high cost of smartphones, computers, and point of sale terminals continues to be a major barrier, particularly in underserved communities. The AfDB Visa partnership will therefore introduce an affordable device mechanism to help bridge this gap and foster broader participation in the digital economy.

“We are thrilled to partner with the African Development Bank to drive digital transformation across Africa. This collaboration aligns with our mission to enable individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive by connecting them digitally. Through these initiatives, we will further our efforts in bridging the digital divide, enhancing financial inclusion, and building a secure digital ecosystem for all Africans,” said Ismahill Diaby, Vice President and Head of Western and Central Francophone and Lusophone Africa at Visa.

The collaboration will also address one of the continent’s most critical challenges, access to verified identity. Millions of Africans remain unbanked or undocumented, limiting their access to financial services, healthcare, education, and government programs. By expanding secure digital identity solutions, the initiative seeks to unlock new opportunities for inclusion and economic empowerment.

In addition, the AfDB Visa alliance will strengthen the resilience of Africa’s financial systems through enhanced cybersecurity frameworks. As digital transactions increase across the continent, the need for robust protections against fraud and cyber threats becomes ever more pressing. Visa’s technical expertise in this area will be a central resource in bolstering digital trust and security.

“Africa’s digital future hinges on inclusive access to affordable devices and secure digital identities. By empowering citizens with the tools and credentials they need, we unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship, education, and financial inclusion for millions across the continent,” stated Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation at the African Development Bank.

This partnership combines the AfDB’s mandate to drive inclusive development with Visa’s global experience in digital payments and cybersecurity.