BEIJING, July 17 -- China UnionPay, China's leading bankcard network operator, announced on Thursday that it has issued its first credit card in Africa, further enlarging its global footprint.

UnionPay International, China UnionPay's international arm, jointly issued three types of credit card in partnership with Cim Finance from Mauritius, the Shanghai-based company said in a statement.

The credit cards will be accepted in 140 countries and regions including China and Mauritius without a foreign transaction fee, said the company.

China UnionPay started to issue debit cards in Africa in August, 2013.