Mastercard has partnered with Kalabash54, the fintech subsidiary of West Africa’s prominent online travel tech company, Wakanow Group, to launch innovative travel cards for customers in Nigeria and Ghana.
This collaboration aims to provide a secure and convenient payment solution tailored to the needs of travellers in the region.
The Kalabash54 travel card offers a comprehensive payment solution, allowing users to fund trips directly from the Kalabash54 app using either physical or virtual cards available in local currency or USD. Users can manage their card through the app, with features including activation, PIN changes, and security controls.
Additional benefits include worldwide acceptance, airport lounge access, exclusive discounts, no hidden fees, free card loading, and a loyalty program with cashback and discounts. This product, supported by Mastercard’s global network and Wakanow’s expertise with travel suppliers, aims to enhance the travel experience for consumers.
The Country Manager, of West Africa, Mastercard Folasade Femi-Lawal said: “We are thrilled to team up with Kalabash54 and Wakanow to bring this innovative travel card to Nigeria and Ghana. Mastercard is committed to fostering a more inclusive, digital economy, where every journey is powered by seamless financial services. Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage the collective strengths of our global network and Wakanow’s industry expertise to transform travel payments in West Africa with secure, convenient, and rewarding options.”
This collaboration comes at a crucial time for the payments industry in Nigeria and Ghana, both of which have seen a surge in digital payment adoption due to increased internet penetration and growing consumer purchasing power. The Kalabash54 travel card, launched at the ‘Wakanow Unpacked’ tech and innovation expo in June, is set to capitalize on this trend, offering a reliable and widely accepted payment method for international travellers.
In his reaction, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Group, Bayo Adedeji, emphasized the strategic alliance’s impact
Adedeji said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Mastercard to introduce this unique payment solution to our customers in Nigeria and Ghana. This collaboration underscores our dedication to enhancing the travel experience by offering secure and efficient payment options. Our customers can now enjoy the convenience of a global payment solution managed through the Kalabash54 app, providing ease and flexibility. The collaboration aims to enhance electronic payment adoption in the travel and tourism sectors.”
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Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer of Kalabash54, Ladi Ojuri added: “We believe this collaboration with Mastercard will set a new standard in the travel and payment industry. Our goal is to empower our customers with the most innovative and reliable financial tools, enhancing their travel experience and providing them with the confidence to explore the world seamlessly. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging global partnerships to deliver unparalleled value and convenience to our customers.”
With the travel industry in Ghana and Nigeria on the rise, the demand for convenient payment methods is high. The Kalabash54 and Mastercard alliance aims to meet this demand, offering tools for seamless international travel, thereby boosting financial inclusivity through secure and accessible payment solutions.
