A Mastercard survey found respondents in Africa and the Middle East markedly more enthusiastic than those in Western Europe about using their smartphones for payments.

The card giant’s Impact of Innovation study found more than 70 per cent of respondents in in Africa and the Middle East were ready to use their phones in this way, compared to only 38 per cent in Europe.

However, when asked about new ways to pay, consumers across all regions agreed that smartphones are the best alternative to plastic cards.

“For decades, plastic cards have been the only reasonable alternative to cash – but consumers are saying loud and clear that they want digital innovations in all areas of life” said Ann Cairns (pictured), president – international markets, Mastercard.

The survey quizzed 23,000 consumers in 23 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It covered not just payments but also sought opinions about digital innovation in a range of activities, including travel, shopping, healthcare, education and transport.

Interestingly, the survey found consumers who live in countries where technical innovation can be less accessible tend to be more enthusiastic than in countries where it is readily available.

Western Europe has the largest ratio of those resistant to digital change (17 per cent), while Central and Eastern European countries and those in the Middle East and Africa have the highest number who are enthusiastic about technical change.