Airtel Money and Mastercard Launch Global Pay Card in Zambia
Mastercard, in collaboration with Airtel Money and powered by Network International, has launched Airtel Money Global Pay, a secure virtual payment card designed for Zambia’s increasingly borderless lifestyle. The card is now available through the MyAirtel App, enabling users to make both international and domestic payments directly from their mobile phones without the need for a traditional bank account.
The launch was officiated by Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Development, Elias Mubanga, who highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the government’s 8th National Development Plan and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.
“This initiative complements our push for digital transformation, women and youth empowerment, and inclusive growth. It will allow young innovators, tech start-ups, and creative industries to access digital platforms, software tools, and e-learning resources previously out of reach,” he said.
Muhammad Nana, Senior Vice President Digital Partnerships and Enablers, EEMEA, Mastercard, said the partnership expands secure international digital payments in emerging markets. “With Airtel Money Global Pay, we are empowering consumers to pay and get paid globally with confidence, security, and ease,” he added.
Andrew Chuma, Airtel Mobile Commerce Country Director, said the new virtual card enhances convenience for users. “Airtel Money Global Pay enables 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. It’s about giving our customers more choice and greater access to the opportunities of a connected world.”
Bobbline Cheembela, Deputy Managing Director at Access Bank, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with Airtel Money and Mastercard to support the government’s digital transformation agenda,” she said.
The Mastercard-powered virtual card is embedded in the MyAirtel App and offers instant issuance, in-app top-ups, live foreign exchange rates, real-time spend controls, and global acceptance. Additional features include customisable card designs, instant activation, and real-time transaction monitoring.
The launch is part of a broader effort to drive financial inclusion by widening access to the digital economy for both banked and unbanked consumers. Airtel Money Global Pay has already been launched in Uganda and Tanzania, with further rollouts planned for Gabon, Kenya, and Nigeria. Customers can register via the MyAirtel App and link their Airtel Money wallet to the Mastercard-powered card for seamless online transactions.
