_1782989508%2520(1).jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Global Economy
Mastercard Unveils Pan‑African Cybersecurity Center to Boost Digital Economy Resilience
Mastercard announced the creation of a continent‑wide Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, aimed at strengthening Africa’s cyber‑resilience and fostering confidence in its rapidly expanding digital market. The initiative will initially roll out in South Africa and Nigeria, bringing together public‑sector bodies, financial institutions and private firms to share threat intelligence, improve preparedness, and build collective response capabilities. The center, powered by Mastercard’s global expertise and a partnership with Recorded Future, will provide up to 50 participating organisations with risk analyses, real‑time threat feeds focused on Africa, and a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange. By anchoring the effort in three pillars—intelligence, collaboration, and resilience—Mastercard seeks to support governments, banks and SMEs in creating a safer, more inclusive digital economy across the continent.
Listen to this article
Unlock audio versions of premium articles and more with a Pro subscription.
Mastercard launches Pan‑African Cybersecurity Center
On July 9, 2026, Mastercard unveiled a new Cybersecurity Center of Excellence that will operate across the African continent. The hub is designed to strengthen the region’s cyber‑resilience and to deepen trust in its rapidly expanding digital economy.
Why the center matters
The initiative brings together public‑sector agencies, financial institutions and private‑sector companies to:
- Share real‑time threat intelligence;
- Improve collective preparedness against cyber attacks;
- Boost response capabilities for businesses of all sizes.
First rollout
The pilot phase will start in South Africa and Nigeria, reflecting Mastercard’s long‑term commitment to Africa’s digital transformation. The announcement coincided with the visit of Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach to both countries.
Global expertise, local focus
Mastercard will leverage its worldwide network and partner with Recorded Future to provide international‑grade intelligence tailored to African markets. In its first year, the center will deliver cyber‑risk analyses for up to 50 organisations and grant access to a dedicated African threat‑feed.
Three strategic pillars
- Threat intelligence & strategic analysis – real‑time data and expert assessments.
- Collaboration & knowledge sharing – a secure platform for member organisations.
- Preparedness & resilience – tools and training to mitigate and respond to incidents.
Through this framework, Mastercard aims to help governments, banks and even small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) lay the digital foundations needed for inclusive, safe, and sustainable growth across Africa.