By John Chola

In the remote northern district of Kaputa, a farmer can now pay for Netflix, a student can enroll in a course on Coursera, and a small business owner can advertise on Instagram—all without a traditional bank account.

This is the new reality unfolding in Zambia, driven by the launch of the MoMo Virtual Card powered by Mastercard—a digital payment tool embedded in MTN’s mobile money app that is poised to democratize online commerce for millions.

But the real story isn’t just the card. It’s the five-pillar digital transformation strategy championed by Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, that is turning the nation into one of Africa’s most connected and digitally resilient economies.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Zambia’s Digital Surge

· Mobile payment value grew by over 800 percent in five years, hitting K400 billion in 2024.

· Mobile money wallets surged by 170 percent, exceeding 10 million by end-2024.

· Financial inclusion jumped to 69 percent, largely fueled by digital finance.

· Digital resilience and trust now stand at 92.6 percent—among the highest in Africa.

“We are now global players in e-commerce,” declared Minister Mutati at the launch event 18th December 2025. “If you are in Kaputa, you can do your e-commerce. It doesn’t matter where you are.”

Breaking Barriers: The Five Pillars of Zambia’s Digital Revolution

Mutati outlined the blueprint that’s making this possible:

1. Universal Connectivity – Zambia is now fiber-linked to all eight neighboring countries, with 92 percent population coverage.

2. Interoperability – Machines talking to machines, enabling seamless cross-border transactions.

3. Trust and Cybersecurity – Backed by robust data protection and cyber laws.

4. Critical Reforms – Including removal of customs duties on digital infrastructure and fast-tracking of tower deployments.

5. Partnership and Collaboration – Between government, telcos, banks, and global giants like Mastercard.

“When you sit at the table and you don’t eat, then we walk,” Mutati said, emphasizing the non-negotiable role of partnership.

The Virtual Card: More Than a Payment Tool

Linked directly to a user’s MoMo wallet, the prepaid virtual card allows Zambians to:

· Shop on Amazon, Shein, Alibaba

· Subscribe to Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music

· Pay for Facebook ads, online courses, travel bookings

· Support local e-commerce platforms like Radian Online and Tigmoo

“This is a gateway to the digital economy,” said Komba Malukutila, Managing Director of MoMo Zambia.

Security & Inclusion: A Central Bank Priority

Isaac Muhanga, Chief Operations Officer of the Bank of Zambia, underscored the regulator’s role in fostering “safe and responsible innovation” through measures like the regulatory sandbox and support for fintechs.

But he also issued a warning: “As innovation advances, so do risks. We must remain vigilant against cyber threats.”

The BoZ’s vision is clear: a 24/7 digital economy built on interoperability, security, and inclusion.

Why This Matters

Zambia is no longer just a participant in the digital revolution—it’s architecting it.

With a US$45 smartphone (MTN’s Alola) now offering capabilities rivaling US$1,000 devices, and a virtual card that works wherever Mastercard is accepted, the country is proving that technology, when paired with political will and smart policy, can lift an entire nation into the global digital fold.

As Mutati put it:

“Technology is the answer to everything you do.”

Today, Kaputa is connected to London. Tomorrow, Zambia may well be a blueprint for the continent.