Emerging Markets Payments (EMP), a leading electronic payments card processing company in the Middle East and Africa, has been appointed to provide electronic payments processing for taxes and customs fees at the Port of Douala in Cameroon.

EMP has committed to pilot the service from next month, with the full launch scheduled for autumn 2013.

EMP is undertaking this venture after winning a tender organised by the World Bank in collaboration with "Guichet Unique" - an online one-stop-shop that enables import/export operators to fulfill external payment requirements.

Processed by EMP, the cashless system will permit users to make faster transactions by paying customs fees and taxes using an electronic payment card. All fees will be payable using point-of-sale terminals (POS) or a dedicated web site managed by EMP.

“EMP is very focused on eGovernment opportunities across the African continent and the Middle East," said Paul Edwards, EMP’s chairman.

"The ePayment project for the Port of Douala in Cameroon is a good example of how a combination of world class technology and expertise can support Governments’ drive to move to a more efficient, cashless society. We look forward to the possibility of expanding this unique service to other ports across the continent.”

“EMP is in a very strong position to drive eGovernment projects across the region,” said Hoda Shoukry, CEO of EMP’s Bank Processing Division.

“The company has over 130 banks and 30 000 merchants as customers across 45 countries and offers all the international card schemes as well as covering all payment channels, including card, Internet and mobile phone. EMP operates to the highest international standards for data security and has earned a reputation as the most trusted electronic payments company in the region,” added Shoukry.

EMP is majority owned by Actis, a leading emerging market private equity company with strong presence in China, India, Africa and South America. – TradeArabia News Service