By Derrick Silimina

In a move to unlock economic opportunities for all, Airtel Zambia has launched Airtel Money Village Banking – a secure digital platform that automates village banking operations.

Speaking during the colorful launch of the digital platform at Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka, Airtel Money Director Andrew Chuma said the launch is an important milestone in the company’s journey towards financial inclusion.

“When we introduced the Village Banking product, our vision was simple yet powerful – to provide communities especially those traditionally underserved with a safe, convenient and transparent way to save, borrow and grow using digital tools,” Chuma said.

He noted that the platform replaces manual record-keeping, cash handling, and paper-based processes, giving groups a modern, reliable, secure and auditable system.

Chuma highlighted that the vision has become a reality considering the incredible village banking adoption across both urban and rural communities adding that groups that once solely relied on manual record-keeping are now able to manage their finances securely on their phones.

He further disclosed that the telecommunication giant remains committed to continuously improving the digital platform in a bid to enhance financial inclusion in the country.

“More importantly, we’re witnessing real impact including women-led groups are expanding their businesses, youth are accessing capital to start new avenues and communities are building stronger financial resilience.”

Airtel Money has since partnered with Hobbiton Technologies, who will provide the digital infrastructure to allow the village bank to flow seamlessly through the Airtel Money ecosystem.

Speaking at the same event, Hobbiton Technologies Chief Operating Officer Andrea Manongwa said Hobbiton Technologies and Airtel Money have again partnered to drive innovation that brings technology to the people making community and group savings simple, accessible and most importantly secure.

“In this platform, we are not just digitising village banking but we are enhancing a tried and tested model. We are joining the millions of village bankers across our country’s communities as a partner and offering inclusion, accessibility and a safe platform for you to continue to grow,” Manongwa said.