Mastercard, Hillcroft (mTek) Partner to Roll Out Embedded Insurance Solutions in East Africa
By Samson Kurgat | Nairobi, KENYA,
Mastercard has partnered with Insurtech company Hillcroft (mTek) to introduce embedded insurance solutions across East Africa, enabling consumers and small businesses to access coverage directly through Mastercard’s payment platforms. The initiative integrates affordable, tailored insurance into everyday card transactions, aiming to improve financial protection and inclusion for millions across the region.
“This collaboration reflects Mastercard’s commitment to unlocking financial inclusion,” said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard. “By bringing insurance directly into the payment experience, we are removing friction and making protective cover accessible to millions of people and businesses. From consumers buying daily goods to farmers selling their harvest, this initiative is about building resilience and supporting economic growth across East Africa.”
The partnership targets key challenges that have kept insurance penetration in Africa below 3%, such as high upfront costs, complex onboarding, and limited distribution. By embedding insurance at the point of transaction, Mastercard and Hillcroft (mTek) hope to simplify access and offer tailored solutions for sectors like agriculture and small business. SMEs, which make up more than 90% of enterprises in East Africa, stand to gain from the added protection and flexibility.
The initiative also brings together insurers, financial institutions, and telecom operators to create a unified digital ecosystem where payments and insurance coexist. By embedding protection into routine transactions, the Mastercard–Hillcroft partnership sets a new benchmark for how digital finance can drive inclusion, resilience, and long-term growth across East Africa.
