Orange and Mastercard Partners to Expand Mobile Financial Services Across Sub-Saharan Africa

Strategic Partnership to Provide Millions of Users with Seamless Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion by 2025.

Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and Mastercard have announced a landmark strategic partnership aimed at enhancing access to mobile financial services throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration is poised to significantly impact the region's financial landscape, enabling millions of Orange Money wallet holders to access digital payments via Mastercard’s global network of merchants by 2025. The initiative will be implemented across seven countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

Bridging the Banking Gap

With only 48% of the adult population in Africa currently banked, as highlighted in the African Digital Banking Transformation Report, the partnership seeks to accelerate financial access, ultimately empowering underserved communities. Orange Money customers will have the option to obtain either a virtual or physical debit card linked directly to their Orange Money wallets. These cards will facilitate seamless payments locally and internationally, allowing transactions with local merchants and any online platforms that accept Mastercard.

Customers can conveniently request their virtual debit card through Max it, Orange’s Super App, and collect their physical card at designated Orange Money Mastercard points of sale.

Enhancing Financial Independence

Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, Middle East and Africa, expressed excitement about the partnership: “This collaboration is an opportunity to bring top-notch innovation to our customers, allowing them to pay with the Mastercard card linked to their Orange Money wallet when traveling internationally and providing access to global online shopping in a simple and secure way. By offering our users the ability to pay effortlessly with the Mastercard virtual card, we open the door to a world of new possibilities and promote their financial independence.”

Commitment to Financial Inclusion

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard EEMEA, emphasized the significance of this partnership in advancing financial inclusion: “At Mastercard, we are committed to 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 exemplifies our vision of building an inclusive digital ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”

A Proven Track Record

Orange’s extensive footprint—boasting over 160 million customers and 37 million active Orange Money accounts across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East—has already played a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion. By offering user-friendly transfers, payment tools, and various financial services via mobile phones, Orange Money has successfully delivered affordable, reliable, and accessible financial solutions to individuals previously excluded from the formal financial system.

Supporting SMEs and Driving Innovation

This partnership reinforces Mastercard’s status as a trusted technology partner for telecommunications companies in Africa. Mastercard’s expertise in securing payment gateways, understanding local market dynamics, and providing tailored solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will foster growth, innovation, and financial inclusion across the continent.

Furthermore, this collaboration aligns with Orange’s broader strategy to offer more efficient and seamless payment solutions to its customers, further enhancing financial inclusion and advancing Africa’s digital transformation.

 The Orange and Mastercard partnership is a significant development in the quest for financial inclusion across Sub-Saharan Africa, promising to deliver innovative solutions that will transform how millions access financial services. By bridging the gap between traditional banking and digital finance, this collaboration is set to empower individuals and stimulate economic growth in the region.