MasterCard and Guaranty Trust Bank Gambia (GTBank Gambia) has announced a collaboration that will broaden the acceptance of MasterCard payment cards in The Gambia. Consumers can now use their MasterCard prepaid, credit and debit cards at GTBank Gambia ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) terminals including hotels, restaurants and retailers.
“Tourists and business travelers carrying MasterCard will now be able to withdraw money and make payments in the local currency ‘Dalasi’, for the first time on our 21 GTBank ATMs and 76 merchant outlets strategically located in Banjul and greater Banjul area. We wish to thank MasterCard for accepting us as partners in our common drive of simply satisfying cardholders from around the world,” says Femi Omotoso, Managing Director, GTBank Gambia.
The Central Bank of Gambia envisions a modernized payments system for the country, which involves the increased adoption of electronic payments.
“We are proud to partner with GTBank, which is quickly growing its presence in Africa. This is the first time that MasterCard payment cards will be accepted at ATMs in The Gambia and is a great milestone for us as we aim to create a cashless society,” says Omokehinde Ojomuyide, Vice President and Area Business Head, MasterCard in West Africa. “Enabling our e-channels for MasterCard indeed opens up opportunities for business, retail and tourism for our country. The hotel and tourism industry will especially benefit from this service.”
Electronic payments offer cardholders and merchants several benefits including being protected from the security risks and costs associated with cash. For merchants, the ability to accept electronic payments means that they will increase their sales as consumers are not limited to the cash they have on hand.