By John Chola

In a significant move set to reshape Zambia’s digital payments landscape, First National Bank (FNB) Zambia has announced the launch of eWallet Plus, a revolutionary money transfer service designed to work seamlessly across every mobile network and bank in the country.

Unlike traditional mobile money or banking services that often operate in silos, eWallet Plus allows users to send and receive money directly to and from other eWallet Plus users, FNB accounts, all major mobile money wallets (including Airtel Money, MTN, and Zamtel), and any bank account in Zambia.

Scheduled to go live on 25 November 2025, the service aims to bridge the gap between different financial platforms, offering unprecedented flexibility for individuals and small businesses.

The launch underscores FNB’s aggressive strategy to drive financial inclusion by leveraging accessible USSD technology.

“At FNB Zambia, we believe in creating solutions that empower people and businesses. eWallet Plus is more than a payment service – it’s a step towards greater financial inclusion and convenience for all Zambians,” said Mrs. Mwamba Musambo, FNB Zambia’s Head of Retail Banking.

Key to its inclusive design is its simplicity.
The service requires no smartphone or data connection, functioning on any feature phone via a simple USSD code (130321#).

It also features a self-onboarding process, eliminating the need for paperwork or branch visits, allowing customers to activate the service instantly.

Targeting the heart of the Zambian economy, the bank highlighted that eWallet Plus is built for traders, marketeers, students, families, and small businesses—anyone who needs a reliable, secure, and affordable way to manage their finances without the necessity of a formal bank account.

The service will operate on a pay-as-you-transact model with no monthly fees or maintenance charges, making it a cost-effective solution.

For cash needs, users can withdraw money at FNB ATMs and a wide network of FNB Cash Plus agents nationwide.

Musambo says with its cross-platform interoperability, device-agnostic access, and strong security protocols, eWallet Plus is poised to become a foundational tool for financial empowerment in Zambia, effectively putting a digital bank in the pocket of every citizen with a mobile phone.