Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) has teamed up with Mastercard to enhance access to mobile financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership, one of the largest initiatives in the region, aims to empower millions of Orange Money wallet users to engage in digital payments via Mastercard’s extensive network of merchants by 2025. The rollout will take place in seven countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
Empowering underserved communities
With just 48 percent of Africa’s adult population having bank accounts, as reported in the African Digital Banking Transformation Report, this collaboration seeks to accelerate financial access and empower underserved communities. Orange Money customers will have the option to instantly acquire either a virtual or physical debit card, directly linked to their Orange Money wallets. These cards will facilitate seamless transactions both locally and internationally, allowing users to shop with local merchants and on any website or mobile app that accepts Mastercard. Customers can easily request a virtual debit card through Max it—Orange’s Super App—and retrieve a physical card at designated Orange Money Mastercard points of sale.
Bringing top-notch innovation to customers
Speaking on the partnership, Aminata Kane, CEO Orange Money Group, Middle East and Africa, said: “This collaboration is an opportunity to bring top-notch innovation to our customers, allow to pay with the Mastercard card linked to their Orange Money wallet when they travel internationally, and give them access to online shopping all over the world, in a simple and secure way.”
“By offering our users the ability to pay effortlessly with Mastercard virtual card, we open the door to a world of new possibilities and promote their financial independence,” Kane further added.
Advancing financial inclusion
Amnah Ajmal, executive vice president Market Development, Mastercard EEMEA said: “At Mastercard, we are committed to advancing financial inclusion by leveraging cutting-edge technology to create meaningful, scalable impact. Our collaboration with Orange Money represents a significant step in unlocking the full potential of digital financial services across Africa, enabling millions to participate in the global economy. This collaboration is a testament to our vision to building an inclusive digital ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”
Moreover, with a customer base exceeding 160 million and 37 million active Orange Money accounts across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East, Orange has become a key player in promoting financial inclusion. By providing simple and secure payment solutions, Orange Money has delivered affordable and reliable financial services to individuals previously excluded from the formal financial system.
Seamless payment solutions
This collaboration further solidifies Mastercard’s reputation as a trusted technology partner for telecom companies in Africa. Mastercard’s expertise in securing payment gateways, knowledge of local markets, and customized solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) foster growth, innovation, and financial inclusion across the continent. Additionally, this partnership aligns with Orange’s broader strategy to deliver more efficient and seamless payment solutions, enhancing financial inclusion and supporting Africa’s digital transformation.
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