Safaricom Achieves Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Certification Ahead of Rolling Out Tap-to-Pay Virtual Cards

Safaricom Achieves PCI DSS Certification

Safaricom has earned the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Certification, granted by the PCI Security Standards Council. This international standard is critical for entities that handle card transactions, ensuring a high level of data security.

Strategic Transformation and Global Payment Facilitation

The certification marks a significant milestone for Safaricom. It supports the company’s strategic vision of transitioning from a telecommunications provider to a technology company by 2025. With this accreditation, Safaricom now positions itself as a global payment facilitator that will work with major partners like Google, Uber, and Microsoft.

Commitment to Secure Digital Innovations

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions while maintaining robust security measures. He recognized the certification as a testament to their efforts to protect customers’ financial transactions, a fundamental aspect of their service quality, especially through their M-PESA platform.

Expansion of Payment Solutions and Fintech Collaboration

Safaricom is now set to launch an array of payment solutions, including ‘tap to pay’ features and the capability to handle in-person and online card payments for merchants. The certification also empowers fintechs and financial institutions to utilize Safaricom’s card processing services, broadening the scope of mobile and card payment offerings.

Joining the Ranks of Leading African Financial Institutions

The PCI DSS certification places Safaricom among select institutions in Africa capable of creating a regional payment switch system, ensuring enhanced protection for customer, merchant, and partner payment data.

Enhancing API Capabilities and Ecosystem Growth

With the new certification, Safaricom aims to improve its API capabilities, fostering a growing community of developers on the M-PESA platform. This will lead to improved service offerings and expansion in the portfolio of mobile money services and payment solutions.

A Promise of Secure Transactions and Innovative Solutions

Mr. Ndegwa assures customers and partners that Safaricom’s processes are designed to maintain the highest data protection standards. He also emphasizes that partners will benefit from more secure and innovative solutions tailored for their customers.

Understanding PCI DSS

The PCI DSS is a universally acknowledged framework that provides robust protections for sensitive customer information during transactions. Adherence to this standard ensures stringent controls and security measures are in place, helping to prevent data breaches, fraud, and unauthorized access.

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