Zanaco and Liquid Intelligent Technologies Launch Partnership to Boost Financial Inclusion in Zambia
Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco) and Liquid Intelligent Technologies have officially launched a groundbreaking partnership aimed at expanding financial and digital inclusion across Zambia.
The collaboration, unveiled today at the Zanaco Liquid Intelligent Technologies Xpress In-Store Partnership event, is set to bring banking services closer to customers through the deployment of Xpress agents in six selected stores across Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Oliver Saasa, Chairperson of the Zanaco Board, emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing Zanaco’s mission of promoting financial inclusion.
He highlighted the integration of Xpress agents within everyday retail environments, such as Shoprite, Choppies, Pick n Pay, and Zamtel, making it more convenient for customers to access essential financial services.
“The Xpress In-Store model represents our commitment to making banking services more accessible, seamless, and in tune with the digital age. By embedding Xpress agents in stores where people live, work, and shop, we are ensuring that financial inclusion remains at the heart of our operations,” said Prof. Saasa.
Zanaco, which has over 31,000 agency banking outlets across the country, continues to prioritize customer service and community empowerment. The launch of this partnership is a concrete step towards fulfilling its “You First” campaign, which aims to provide more convenient banking solutions to the people of Zambia.
Mrs. Mukwandi Chibesakunda, CEO of Zanaco, expressed excitement about the partnership, which she described as a win for both financial and digital services in Zambia. She noted that the addition of Liquid Intelligent Technologies to Zanaco’s network would help bridge gaps in financial access, particularly for underserved populations.
“This partnership is about convenience, inclusion, and opportunity,” she said, “and we are proud to provide our customers with access to essential services in more accessible locations.”
Mark Townsend, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, also spoke about the significance of this collaboration, highlighting the company’s role in driving digital transformation across the continent. Liquid’s expansive fibre network, spanning 110,000 km across Africa, is a key enabler of the partnership. Through this initiative, Zanaco customers will be able to access both banking services and Liquid’s internet connectivity services, reinforcing the companies’ shared commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
“Together with Zanaco, we are paving the way for greater digital access, which is in line with the government’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy and Digital Transformation Strategy,” said Townsend. He also mentioned several digital milestones achieved by Liquid in Zambia, including the expansion of public Wi-Fi hotspots and the establishment of a Cyber Security Fusion Centre in Lusaka.
The launch of the Xpress In-Store model is expected to enhance convenience for customers by allowing them to conduct banking transactions while shopping for goods and services. Locations like Cairo, East Park, Cosmopolitan, and Lewanika Malls in Lusaka, as well as Zemart Mall in Ndola and Mukuba Mall in Kitwe, are among the initial rollout points for the new agents.
This initiative is a part of the broader goal to expand financial access to remote communities and align with the rapid growth of Africa’s digital payments industry.
The Mastercard-commissioned Genesis Analytics report, issued in March 2025, projects that Africa’s digital payments economy will reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, underscoring the significance of such partnerships in enhancing digital financial services across the continent.
Mathews Tembo, Zanaco’s Chief Digital Officer, concluded the event by thanking both teams for their hard work in making the partnership a reality. He reaffirmed Zanaco’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem, one that integrates digital services into the daily lives of Zambians, thereby contributing to economic growth and community empowerment.
