New Visa office signals Ethiopia’s rising role in Africa’s payments market

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is deepening its presence in Africa with the opening of a new office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a move that reflects the country’s growing influence in the region’s financial services industry. 

The expansion comes as Ethiopia works to modernize its payments system, widen access to banking services and create more room for financial technology firms to grow.

For global payments companies, the country is increasingly seen as one of Africa’s most promising digital finance markets. 

For Visa, the Addis Ababa office is more than a physical expansion.

It marks a stronger local commitment to working closely with regulators, commercial banks, fintech firms and business partners helping shape Ethiopia’s changing financial landscape. 

While the company has operated in Ethiopia for several years, the new office gives Visa a firmer day-to-day presence in a market where digital payments are steadily becoming part of everyday business and consumer life. 

The office will also support six markets across Eastern Africa, positioning Addis Ababa as an important base in Visa’s broader regional operations and reinforcing confidence in Ethiopia’s long-term economic potential.

Building closer ties in a key market 

Visa said the new office is designed to strengthen collaboration with financial institutions, regulators and technology companies as Ethiopia expands access to secure and efficient payment services. 

The company expects the Addis Ababa hub to support wider use of digital payments, deepen banking partnerships and encourage innovation that helps businesses and consumers move money more easily and safely. 

“This new office in Addis Ababa reflects the continued strengthening of Visa’s footprint across the region,” said Michael Berner, head of Southern and Eastern Africa at Visa.

He said the investment reflects Visa’s confidence in Ethiopia’s market and its intention to remain close to clients, partners and regulators.

Supporting business and digital growth 

Visa’s expanded presence is expected to deepen engagement across Ethiopia’s financial system, from established banks to emerging fintech companies developing new payment solutions for consumers and businesses. 

“Opening this new office marks an important next phase in how we engage with the market,” said Yared Endale, head of Eastern Africa at Visa.

He said the new workspace will help the company work more closely with institutions supporting Ethiopia’s payments industry and wider business community.

Where finance meets culture 

The new office also features a FIFA World Cup-inspired mural by Ethiopian artist Efrata Birhanu, part of Visa’s global illustrator program celebrating football, creativity and local culture. 

Visa said digital payments can also help artists, entrepreneurs and small businesses connect with wider audiences, receive payments securely and build stronger, more sustainable businesses as Ethiopia’s digital economy continues to expand.