Airtel Money Brings Digital Village Banking to Communities Across Zambia
Airtel Money Zambia has launched Airtel Money Village Banking, a digital solution designed to modernise and strengthen community-based savings groups, cooperatives and village banking schemes across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Airtel Money Country Director Mr Andrew Chuma said village banking remains a cornerstone of financial inclusion in Zambia, particularly for communities that rely on collective savings to support livelihoods and economic resilience.
“Village banking has long been the backbone of community savings in Zambia. With Airtel Money Village Banking, we are strengthening this trusted model by embedding technology that makes it safer, more transparent and more convenient for every member,” Mr Chuma said.
The platform allows savings groups to register digitally through the My Airtel App and conduct deposits, withdrawals and member contributions directly via the Airtel Money menu. Members are able to view both individual and group transactions in real time, improving transparency, accountability and trust within the groups.
Mr Chuma said the solution significantly reduces risks associated with cash handling and manual record-keeping, while providing digital statements and enhanced oversight of group finances.
“By digitising village banking, we are removing common risks while giving members real-time visibility of transactions and greater confidence in how their funds are managed,” he said.
Airtel Money Village Banking is designed for use in both rural and urban communities and aligns with Zambia’s broader financial inclusion goals and the digitalisation of financial services under the oversight of the Bank of Zambia.
Mr Chuma said the service reflects Airtel Money’s commitment to responsible innovation, consumer protection and inclusive growth, adding that the aim is to strengthen, rather than change, existing community saving practices.
Airtel Money Village Banking is now available and can be accessed via the Airtel Money *115# menu under Option 7: Savings and Investment.
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, which operates in 14 African countries and provides mobile voice, data, digital and financial services to more than 150 million customers across the continent.
