By John Chola

Mastercard, in partnership with Airtel Money and powered by Network International, has launched the Airtel Money Global Pay virtual card in Zambia, a milestone expected to expand digital financial inclusion and enable seamless cross-border transactions for millions of users.

The Airtel Money Global Pay card, available through the MyAirtel App, allows customers to make both international and domestic payments directly from their mobile phones without the need for a traditional bank account.

Speaking during the official launch, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, hailed the initiative as aligned with the government’s digital transformation goals.

“This initiative is aligned with my Government’s vision under the 8th National Development Plan and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. It complements our push for digital transformation, women and youth empowerment, and inclusive growth,” said Mubanga.
He added that the innovation would empower Zambia’s tech-savvy youth and entrepreneurs.

“The innovation will allow our young innovators, tech start-ups, and creative industries to subscribe to digital platforms, software tools, and e-learning resources that were previously out of reach. This is how we nurture a new generation of globally competitive businesses.”

Mastercard’s Senior Vice President for Digital Partnerships and Enablers in Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA), Muhammad Nana, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion across emerging markets.

“Our partnership with Airtel Money is a strategic step in expanding international secure digital payments across emerging markets like Zambia, enabling customers to participate fully in the digital economy. With Airtel Money Global Pay, we are empowering consumers to pay and get paid globally with confidence, security, and ease,” Nana stated.

Airtel Mobile Commerce Country Director, Andrew Chuma, described the launch as a transformative step in simplifying financial transactions for customers.

“At Airtel Money, we are committed to delivering innovative services that make everyday transactions simpler and more accessible. Through our partnership with Mastercard, Airtel Money Global Pay will enable customers in Zambia to shop, pay, and subscribe to services on global platforms directly from their mobile phones – with security, speed, and convenience built in,” said Chuma.

Access Bank Zambia Deputy Managing Director, Bobbline Cheembela, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying it supports the government’s digital transformation agenda.

The Mastercard-powered virtual card will offer customers instant issuance, in-app top-ups, real-time foreign exchange rates, global acceptance, and enhanced security controls.

Future upgrades will include customizable card designs and real-time transaction monitoring.

Having already launched in Uganda and Tanzania earlier this year, the Airtel Money Global Pay card’s rollout in Zambia marks the next step in expanding access to digital payments across Africa, with upcoming deployments planned in Gabon, Kenya, and Nigeria.

The initiative reinforces Mastercard and Airtel Money’s shared mission to empower Africans through secure, convenient, and globally accepted payment solutions, bridging the financial divide and connecting more people to the global economy.