MDP, a longstanding player in Africa’s card issuing and processing sector, is reinforcing its position across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) through a strategic collaboration with global payment solutions provider BPC.

The partnership has resulted in the development of a next-generation third-party processing centre, built using BPC’s SmartVista platform, aimed at delivering secure, scalable, and integrated payment services throughout the region.

With this technology, MDP has established a modular stack that integrates issuing, acquiring, and processing services.

This architecture enables the company to serve banks, fintechs, and merchants across the MEA region with increased flexibility.

MDP’s objective was to develop a processing hub capable of offering comprehensive services while accommodating the evolving needs of its clients.

The rollout followed a phased go-live approach, with each SmartVista module activated in line with new client onboarding. This strategy allowed MDP to scale operations in parallel with market expansion.

SmartVista’s card management capabilities support the issuance of tailored debit, credit, and prepaid products for business clients.

On the acquiring side, the platform facilitates acceptance of Visa, Mastercard, and EBC-branded cards across MDP’s network.

Fraud prevention and 3D Secure ACS are also incorporated into the service offering.

Central to the setup is the SmartVista Integration Platform, which, through the use of advanced APIs, allows MDP to develop and manage its own API gateway in-house.

This enhances client onboarding and responsiveness to market shifts, while maintaining system stability.

Currently, MDP serves over 260 financial institutions in more than 40 countries, positioning it among the more established processors in the MEA region.

Its focus on infrastructure, local talent, and product development has supported the launch of various payment solutions, from closed-loop card systems to open-loop services for emerging digital platforms.

Commenting on the collaboration, Usama El Sayed, Managing Director MEA at BPC, said:

“We are proud to be the technology partner of MDP, helping the processor drive innovation and deliver payment experience through the MEA market. With SmartVista’s advanced, modular design, MDP can launch, migrate, and innovate at speed, building an ecosystem from scratch and elevating digital payments across the region.”

Ahmed Nafie, CEO of MDP, added:

“Through our collaboration with BPC and the SmartVista platform, we have redefined what it means to be a processor in today’s market, delivering not just services, but scalable ecosystems that enable innovation and financial inclusion across the region. Our commitment to regional demands and financial growth remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on image by BillionPhotos via Freepik