Mastercard has set out an ambitious plan of bringing 1 billion people and 50 million SMEs into the digital economy by 2025. In this exclusive interview with African Leadership Magazine UK, the division president for Sub-Sahara Africa shares the company's strategy towards achieving this plan. Excerpts: How is Mastercard helping Africa deal with the COVID-19 pandemic? Mastercard's is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple ways at multiple levels, in keeping with our position as both a global and a local technology leader. We are committing funds, technological expertise and thought leadership to address both immediate and mid/long term problems that are emerging due to the pandemic. Globally, we have committed up to $300 million to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. In addition, we are leading a response that offers value to Africa's consumers, businesses, merchants, financial institutions and governments.