Premier Switch Solutions and Mastercard have launched Ethiopia’s first locally certified access control server integrated with EMV 3-D Secure 2.2 standards, a step aimed at improving authentication for online payments as the country’s e-commerce sector expands.

The platform uses Mastercard’s Identity Check technology to conduct real-time, risk-based authentication. The system verifies cardholder identities without disrupting legitimate transactions while flagging potentially suspicious activity.

Premier Switch Solutions, established in 2009 by six banks including Awash Bank and Nib International Bank, operates a shared payments infrastructure for financial institutions and fintech companies. Four member banks have already implemented the new system, with plans for broader adoption by merchants and fintech providers.

Ethiopia’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $554 million in 2025, growing at an estimated 11.3% annually, according to industry data. The rollout aligns with the government’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which aims to expand technology integration across sectors and support a digital economy.

Company representatives said the platform is designed to reduce chargeback rates, improve transaction approvals for merchants, enhance fraud detection for banks, and provide consumers with additional protection in online transactions.