Mastercard Report: Digital Payments Transform SMEs Across Africa and the Middle East

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria are leveraging digital payments, innovation, and partnerships to expand their reach and strengthen business operations, according to the third edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index. 

With 99% of SMEs in Nigeria now accepting digital payments, businesses are capitalizing on cashless transactions to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and build financial resilience. This digital shift is enabling SMEs to grow in an evolving business environment, with many prioritizing secure payment solutions and financial inclusion initiatives.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt are embracing digital payments and data-driven solutions to fuel their growth, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen financial resilience, according to the third edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index.

With 85% of the SMEs surveyed in Egypt now accepting digital payments, businesses are shifting towards cashless transactions as a means of improving security, streamlining operations and boosting credibility in the financial ecosystem. Many SMEs cite faster access to revenues, reduced fraud risks and the ease of digital supplier and employee payments as key advantages of digital transformation.

: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia are viewing 2025 with remarkable optimism, driven by a robust embrace of digitalization and innovative technologies, according to the third edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index. This positive outlook aligns seamlessly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, aiming to diversify the economy and enhance the contribution of SMEs to the national GDP.

A significant majority (93%) of the SMEs surveyed in the Kingdom are confident about the next 12 months. Business owners are recognizing the critical role of seamless and secure transactions in today’s marketplace while prioritizing the adoption of advanced data analytics and insights, viewing these tools as essential for informed decision-making and strategic growth.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya are actively adopting digital payments, leveraging technological advancements, and forming strategic collaborations to enhance growth and resilience, as highlighted in the third edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index.

With 91% of SMEs in Kenya adopting digital payments, businesses are enhancing efficiency, improving customer experiences, and strengthening financial stability. This shift toward digitalization is reshaping SME operations, with many prioritizing secure payment solutions and broader financial inclusion to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE are entering 2025 with strong optimism, fueled by a thriving digital economy, strong government support, and increasing access to financial solutions, according to the third edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index. 

The findings show that 91% of SMEs in the UAE are optimistic about their business outlook, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses to scale and succeed. Additionally, 90% expect to earn similar or more revenue this year compared to last year, an increase from the last survey.