NMB Bank, in partnership with Mastercard, has launched a QR pay-by-link (QR PBL) payment solution in Tanzania to advance the country’s digital transformation journey.
The new service enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to accept card payments through a QR code or secure link, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems.
NMB Bank’s latest move also represents the first in-store QR PBL solution in Africa using Mastercard’s Click to Pay, a feature that offers consumers a fast, secure, and password-free checkout experience.
Designed to simplify and secure transactions, the solution addresses the increasing demand among SMEs for efficient digital payment options.
Through the QR PBL solution, businesses can accept payments via a QR code, which consumers scan with their smartphones, redirecting them to a secure link for completing the transaction.
This technology is said to eliminate the need for physical payment terminals, significantly lowering the barrier to digital payment integration for Tanzanian businesses.
Merchants will be able to receive payments through NMB’s TanQR Codes and secure URLs embedded in EMVCo QR codes.
The innovative solution is also intended to empower the country’s more than three million small businesses, which employ over five million people, by enhancing transaction convenience across sectors such as retail, hospitality, transportation, and tourism.
NMB Bank CEO Ruth Zaipuna said: “This innovative solution is a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. With a simple link, we have made it easier, safer, and faster for people to make payments wherever they are.
“This new solution removes the need for complex setups, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best while offering their customers the convenience of seamless payments.”
In addition to cost savings, the QR PBL solution supports multiple payment schemes, including Mastercard, other major card brands, and UPI payments, broadening the payment options available to customers.
According to Mastercard, the integration will boost both the reach and effectiveness of cashless transactions in Tanzania’s evolving digital marketplace.
Mastercard East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands senior vice president and country manager Shehryar Ali said: “We are proud to collaborate with NMB Bank to introduce this cutting-edge digital solution, which enables merchants to offer secure, touchless payments without the need for expensive payment terminals.
“By fostering the adoption of innovative technologies, we aim to support the growth of businesses and economies across the region.”
