Samsung Pay Launches in Morocco Using Mastercard's Tokenisation Service

The service runs on the Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES), the card network's tokenisation technology. It replaces card details with a unique digital token, so the real credentials are not exposed during a transaction. Mastercard said authentication and risk-based checks add further protection.

In Morocco, the launch brings Samsung's wallet into a contactless market where Apple Pay has been available since July 2023. Mastercard said the launch builds on tokenisation it already has in place in the country, and on its work with banks and technology partners on digital payments there.

Participating banks will decide which of their cardholders can use the service. Merchants that already accept supported contactless payments can take Samsung Pay without extra steps. The announcement did not name the banks taking part.

Mohamed Benomar, Mastercard's country manager for North West Africa, said the company's ambition is "to make digital payments faster, simpler, and more secure." Hongseok Lee, president of Samsung Electronics Maghreb Arab, said the companies want paying "to feel as natural as using your smartphone or smartwatch."

Mastercard and Samsung will run a joint campaign in Morocco to encourage everyday use of the wallet. It will combine promotions with teaching consumers how to pay with compatible Samsung devices.

Mastercard tied the launch to its goal of tokenising 100% of online transactions by 2030.