Visa and Ethiopian Airlines Strengthen Partnership to Expand Digital Payment Solutions
Nairobi, Kenya, April 29, 2026 — Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has inked a new agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to advance the rollout of co-branded Visa payment products, marking a significant step in their ongoing partnership aimed at modernizing travel payments across Africa.
The collaboration seeks to elevate the payment experience for travelers while supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ growth strategy. Under the agreement, both organizations will promote the wider adoption and use of co-branded Visa cards, enabling customers to make seamless, secure, and rewarding payments for travel and everyday purchases.
“Travel and payments are intrinsically linked, and this collaboration reflects our shared commitment to simplifying how customers pay and travel,” said Yared Endale, Cluster Head for Eastern Africa at Visa. “By deepening our relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, we are helping drive the evolution of digital payments while offering more value, convenience, and choice to travelers across the region.”
Beyond facilitating payment solutions, the partnership will support joint marketing initiatives and digital innovation designed to improve the end-to-end travel experience from booking and payment to loyalty and customer engagement. Leveraging Visa’s global network and technology, customers can expect secure and efficient transactions across borders, catering to both local and international travel needs.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Marketing Vice President, Mrs. Rahel Assefa, noted, “At Ethiopian, we continuously strive to provide our passengers with a seamless range of options to access and enjoy our services. Our collaboration with Visa aims to further enhance payment options for our customers and increase convenience at every stage of their journey.”
As Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines operates a vast network connecting the continent to major global destinations. The renewed partnership underscores a shared vision to strengthen Africa’s aviation sector, boost customer satisfaction, and accelerate the continent’s transition toward electronic payment systems.
This initiative aligns with Visa’s broader strategy to collaborate with airlines, merchants, and financial institutions in advancing secure, inclusive, and innovative payment solutions that power commerce and cross-border travel throughout Africa.
