Observed Signal · Oct 7, 2026 · Partnership · Source: PocketGamer.biz · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Mastercard and Tamatem Partner on Gaming Payments in MENA, Africa
Mastercard has partnered with Tamatem, a mobile games publisher in the MENA region, to enhance gaming payment experiences across the Middle East and Africa. Through this collaboration, Mastercard Gateway, available via Mastercard Merchant Cloud, will serve as the payment gateway for Tamatem Plus across more than 13 markets, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE being the first to launch. The integration enables players to use localized web stores and in-game checkouts via cards, local alternative payment methods, and telco wallet balances. Tamatem Plus currently supports over 30 localized storefronts and offers access to more than 50 local payment methods through a single integration. Mastercard Gateway will also provide 24/7 technical support, multiple local and international acquirer connections, and training and knowledge transfer. Tamatem CEO Hussam Hammo highlighted the partnership as a signal of what homegrown Arab technology can achieve globally.
This partnership is moderately important as it expands payment infrastructure for gaming in the MENA and Africa regions, but it is not a major industry-shifting event for the global AdTech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Mastercard and Tamatem partner to enhance gaming payments across MENA and Africa.
- Mastercard Gateway will become the payment gateway for Tamatem Plus in more than 13 markets.
- Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be the first markets to launch the integration.
- Tamatem Plus supports more than 30 localised storefronts and 50 local payment methods.
- Mastercard Gateway provides 24/7 technical support and multiple acquirer connections.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Mastercard and MENA mobile games publisher Tamatem have partnered to enhance gaming payment experiences....”
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Why Game Companies Should Not Overlook MENA Market
The article highlights the growing importance of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) games market, emphasizing its large, young, tech-savvy audience, strong revenue growth projections, and untapped talent pools. It cites that the MENA-3 region (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt) generated $2 billion in games revenue in 2024, with projections to reach $2.8 billion by 2029 and grow to 84.3 million players. The broader Middle East games market is predicted to grow from $4.56 billion in 2024 to $9.57 billion by 2030. Mobile dominates revenue, and rising ARPU offers new monetization opportunities. The article also promotes the Pocket Gamer Connects event in Amman, Jordan, scheduled for November 7-8, 2026, as a gateway for companies to build connections in the region.
MEA Games Market to Reach $8.53B; Africa 406M Gamers
A joint report from Carry1st and Newzoo forecasts the Middle East & Africa (MEA) games market will reach $8.53 billion in 2026, a 10.3% year‑on‑year increase. Africa's gamer population is projected to hit 406.25 million in 2026, up from 369.66 million in 2025, while the wider MEA region will total over 640 million players. Games revenue in Africa is forecast at $1.98 billion (11.9% growth) with mobile representing 81.8% of that spend; the Middle East is forecast to generate $6.55 billion with mobile at 64.3% of spending. Country leaders by revenue include Egypt ($458.1m), South Africa ($263m), Nigeria ($226.6m), Turkey ($1.65bn) and Saudi Arabia ($1.59bn).
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