Hibret Bank and Mastercard to Launch an E-Commerce Payment Solution

Hibret Bank pioneered in launching Hibir e-commerce, a digital payments platform that allows Ethiopian businesses and retailers to accept international card payments for online purchases. Hibir e-commerce is first-of- its kind in the Ethiopian banking industry. This move is expected to help local businesses reach new markets and increase revenue while expanding Ethiopia’s access to the digital economy.

Powered by the Mastercard Payment Gateway Services, Hibir e-commerce safely enables businesses and merchants to accept Mastercard and other branded payment cards from customers based outside of the country. The gateway also provides a convenient, secure, and seamless way for shoppers to pay for online goods and services.

Hibir e-commerce will also ensure that merchants get paid in foreign currency for online sales without having to go through the usual lengthy payment settlement process. This service will play a vital role in attracting foreign currency to the country.

According to the CEO of Hibret Bank, Ato Melaku Kebede, the e-commerce solution aligns with the Bank’s 2030 strategy of creating a mutually beneficial payment ecosystem with international cardholders and merchants.

As part of our aspiration to be a market leader through investment in impactful transformation, innovation and digitization, Hibret Bank has collaborated with Mastercard to launch an innovative e-commerce solution designed to help local businesses grow their businesses internationally. This collaboration will help provide secure, around-the-clock payment services to our customers and allows the bank to expand our customer base both locally and globally by meeting different requirements.

Ato Melaku Kebede, CEO, Hibret Bank

This collaboration comes at a time when appetite for e-commerce is quickly rising, providing an opportunity for the advancement of a cashless society. E-commerce has increased significantly since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, proving a much-needed lifeline to businesses as consumers stayed at home. Consumers worldwide spent nearly $4.29 trillion online in a pandemic-fuelled 2020 — a 24.1 percent increase from $3.46 trillion the prior year[1] .

Through this collaboration, businesses will have access to a safe online payment gateway that will enable them to accept payments, expand their customer base and boost their revenues. This further supports our efforts to bring 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy, tapping into the evolving consumer who wants a safe and seamless online shopping experience. As a leader in the payments technology industry, we are proud to collaborate with Hibret Bank to enhance the e-commerce landscape in Ethiopia and grow access to the digital economy.

Shehryar Ali, Country Manager for East Africa, Mastercard