Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 95 | Page 61

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology

Orange Money Wallet enabled by Mastercard in Cameroon , CAR , Guinea-Bissau , Liberia , Mali , Senegal , Sierra Leone

Orange Middle East and Africa and Mastercard have announced a strategic partnership to expand access to mobile financial services across Sub-Saharan Africa . This collaboration , one of the largest of its kind in the region , is set to enable millions of Orange Money wallet holders to access digital payments through Mastercard ’ s global network of merchants by 2025 .

The partnership will be rolled out in seven countries including Cameroon , Central African Republic , Guinea-Bissau , Liberia , Mali , Senegal and Sierra Leone .
With only 48 % of the adult population in Africa banked , according to the African Digital Banking Transformation Report , the collaboration between Orange and Mastercard is designed to accelerate financial access , contributing to the financial empowerment of underserved communities .
Orange Money customers will be able to instantly obtain a virtual or physical debit card , linked directly to their Orange Money wallets . These cards will allow seamless payments both locally and internationally , enabling transactions with local merchants and on any website or mobile application that accepts Mastercard . Customers can easily request their virtual debit card via Max it , Orange ’ s Super Application , and collect a physical card at a designated Orange Money Mastercard point of sale .
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 .”
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 .”
Orange ’ s extensive reach , more than 160 million customers and 37 million active Orange Money accounts in 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East , has already proven to be a crucial enabler of financial inclusion .
By offering simple and secure transfers , payments tools , and other financial services via mobile phones , Orange Money has brought affordable , reliable , and accessible financial solutions to individuals who were previously excluded from the formal financial system .
The collaboration further strengthens Mastercard ’ s position as a trusted technology partner for telecommunications companies in Africa . The company ’ s extensive expertise in securing payment gateways , local market know-how , and tailored solutions for small and medium sized enterprises , SMEs supports growth , innovation , and financial inclusion across the continent .
This partnership also supports Orange ’ s broader strategy to offer more efficient and seamless payment solutions to its customers , further boosting financial inclusion and supporting Africa ’ s digital transformation . p
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