Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and Mastercard have launched a strategic partnership to expand mobile financial services across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to bring digital payments to millions.
This partnership, among the largest in the region, will integrate Orange Money wallets with Mastercard’s global merchant network by 2025. The initial rollout will cover seven countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
With just 48% of adults in Africa holding bank accounts, as highlighted by the African Digital Banking Transformation Report, the partnership intends to boost financial accessibility and empower underserved communities.
The initiative will enable Orange Money customers to access both virtual and physical Mastercard debit cards, linked directly to their Orange Money wallets, allowing seamless local and international transactions.
Customers can request virtual debit cards through Orange’s Super App, Max it, or collect physical cards from select Orange Money Mastercard locations.
Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration allows our customers to use Mastercard linked to their Orange Money wallet for global shopping and international travel, promoting financial independence in a simple, secure way.”
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Amnah Ajmal, Mastercard’s Executive Vice President for Market Development in EEMEA, underscored the commitment to financial inclusion: “Our collaboration with Orange Money is a significant step in enabling millions to participate in the global economy, building an inclusive digital ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”
With Orange’s extensive reach of over 160 million customers, including 37 million active Orange Money accounts across 17 countries, this partnership represents a powerful force for financial inclusion.
Mastercard’s expertise in secure payment systems and local market knowledge will complement Orange’s mission to offer efficient and seamless payment solutions, advancing Africa’s digital transformation and economic integration.
