Misr Digital Innovation (MDI) announced, on Sunday, its alliance with Visa, the world's leader in digital payments, to provide core and digital solutions support to the first digital lifestyle bank in Egypt. MDI was created in 2020 to launch the first native digital lifestyle bank in Egypt, with an aim to launch a variety of banking solutions and services that serve the wider Egyptian population. "Empowering financial inclusion is one of the main components in building a competitive digital society, supported by an all-encompassing vision and plan of Digital Egypt to boost financial digital solutions and services," said Akef Elmaghraby, Vice Chairperson of Banque Misr and Chairperson of MDI. "Our alliance with Visa is a true reflection of our commitment towards providing the best services and offerings in the Egyptian market. Partnering with the world's leader in digital payments brings to life our shared promise and vision for seamless, innovative payment experiences." The agreement, which lasts for seven years, reflects both partners' commitment to growing digital commerce in Egypt and offering innovative, customer-centric solutions that deliver value to the digital lifestyle bank's customers. As part of this collaboration, The new digital bank will issue Visa-branded cards, launch Visa APIs and solutions, and collaborate on marketing innovation and design support. In parallel, Visa will provide digital innovation, implementation, licensing, and technical support to MDI which includes consulting and analytics, client operations servicing during this tenure. "We are delighted to embark on this strategic relationship with MDI as we remain focused on driving digital commerce and economic inclusion in Egypt," said Ahmed Gaber, Visa's General Manager for North Africa. "At Visa, we acknowledge consumers want access to the benefits and opportunities offered by the digital economy, and we are committed to developing such innovative solutions that meet the ambitions and lifestyle needs of Egyptians." Supported by Banque Misr, MDI is committed to launching the first native digital lifestyle bank with unparalleled focus on superior user experience, financial inclusion, and youth. "At MDI, we have been at the forefront of launching the first digital lifestyle bank and we are confident that our unrivalled offerings will bring great value to our customers, making their lives simpler and helping them realise their financial potential," stated Sherif Elbehery, Chief Executive Officer of MDI. "This collaboration with one of the world's most renowned brands is a testament to our efforts to embrace innovations as we work towards a world where everyone has access to unique and customised financial products." "Egypt has proven itself as a market that enables digital innovation, and we are delighted to collaborate with MDI's in driving digital payments growth in the country," added Malak El-Baba, Visa's Country Manager for Egypt. "The ever-growing pace of technology has driven a powerful shift in customers' expectations when it comes to digital experiences. With Visa being accepted at 70 million merchant locations across more than 200 countries, we have the scale, and expertise to help MDI deliver an unparalleled banking experience that is customized, secure and reliable across all touchpoints and unlocks access for Egyptians to participate in the national – and global – economy." In addition to financial investments, Visa will bring its 360 capabilities to MDI, laying the foundations of the full journey from build-to-go live to continued customer engagement.
