In a pivotal collaboration that promises to reshape Zanzibar's technological landscape, Mastercard has joined hands with Zanzibar’s e-Government Agency (eGAZ) to facilitate and expedite the island's ambitious digital transformation journey. This strategic partnership is set to have far-reaching impacts across various sectors, particularly in tourism, by catalyzing the digitization of payments, a move poised to significantly bolster economic growth.
A press release unveiled the partnership alongside the launch of the Zanzibar Digital Government Strategy for 2023-2027, a forward-looking initiative spearheaded by President of Zanzibar Hussein Mwinyi. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies a strong commitment to achieving Zanzibar's digital transformation goals, which are intricately outlined in the island's comprehensive digital economy blueprint and roadmap.
Mastercard's East Africa Country Manager, Shehryar Ali, lauded the agreement as a watershed moment for the company, aligned perfectly with Zanzibar's digital evolution vision. "The strategy’s main objective is Zanzibar’s transformation into a strong digital economy which will secure digital systems, drive innovative information, communication and technology solutions and develop training for digital governance, ultimately reshaping public services," Ali emphasized.
Over the course of three years, this collaboration will see Mastercard lend its technical expertise to bolster the Zanzibar government's digital endeavors. Initiatives include the establishment of a dedicated digital transformation team, partnership with the government’s payment portal Zan-Malipo to enable seamless digital transactions, and the introduction of two million government cards designed to enhance access to services and bolster the tourism sector.
Shehryar Ali articulated the shared vision driving this partnership: "The like-minded collaboration between Mastercard and the Zanzibar e-GAZ will help power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere in the island."
Furthermore, this collaboration solidifies Mastercard's commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to augment service delivery. Said Seif Said, the Managing Director of eGAZ, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential of innovative technologies to enhance service delivery. "We believe that by working with Mastercard, we can significantly accelerate the realization of our digital strategy and provide invaluable benefits to our citizens," Said asserted.
A central facet of Zanzibar's immediate agenda is the development of a rapid and secure digital infrastructure, aimed at seamlessly delivering services to citizens, tourists, and the business community. With ambitious aspirations of positioning the island as a key player in the pan-African trade transformation, Zanzibar remains resolutely focused on cultivating a thriving digital ecosystem.
Ultimately, it's the consumers who stand to gain the most from these transformative initiatives. The synergy between Mastercard and eGAZ promises a more streamlined, efficient, and inclusive digital environment, propelling Zanzibar into a future where technological prowess converges with tangible benefits for all.