A historic partnership has been formed between Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia and Zanaco with the goal of increasing access to digital banking and financial inclusion via the Zanaco Xpress In-Store model.
As part of the partnership announced on Wednesday, Xpress agents will be deployed in six more stores throughout Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
These stores will be positioned in well-known retail establishments like Shoprite, Choppies, Pick n Pay, and Zamtel. This expands on the more than 31,000 agency banking agents that Zanaco already has across the country.
Initiative aligns with Zanaco’s “You First” campaign
Professor Oliver Saasa, the board chair of Zanaco, highlighted during the launch that this partnership is in line with the bank's "You First" campaign, which stresses a customer-first strategy through accessibility and innovation.
“Our vision is clear: banking should be about putting our customers first, not just numbers. It should be personalised, convenient, and responsive to the lifestyles and needs of our customers. By integrating our services into locations where people live, work, and shop, we are fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem,” he said.
Mathews Tembo, Chief Digital Officer at Zanaco, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the collaboration with Liquid Home is about empowerment as much as convenience.
He said, “With the successful implementation of Xpress agents in prominent retailers like Shoprite, Choppies, Pick n Pay, and Zamtel, we have demonstrated our capability to bring essential financial services closer to the people who need them most. This initiative is not just about convenience; it’s about empowering our customers with accessible financial solutions in their daily lives. Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem that supports economic growth and community engagement.”
Prospect for Africa’s digital payments market
According to Mastercard and Genesis Analytics, Africa's digital payments market is predicted to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, making both businesses pivotal in creating a more connected and inclusive financial system.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia CEO, Mark Townsend added, “By empowering our customers with connectivity and digital solutions, we proudly contribute to creating a connected Africa that leaves no one behind. In Zanaco, we have identified a partner who can help us expand and further enrich this reach. Liquid is committed to opening up more digital opportunities to individuals and communities and providing the tools to thrive in a digital world.”
Benefits of Zanaco-Liquid partnership
There are several advantages to having Zanaco agents at Liquid Home stores in Cairo, East Park, Cosmopolitan, and Lewanika Malls in Lusaka, Zemart Mall in Ndola, and Mukuba Mall in Kitwe. When banking in-store, Liquid's connectivity services are available to Zanaco customers, and both Liquid and Zanaco customers can conveniently top up their LTE internet accounts and deposit or withdraw cash.
Through several creative initiatives, Liquid has been leading Zambia's digital transformation. Among them is the development of public Wi-Fi hotspots in Livingstone, Zambia's tourism centre, which will provide both locals and tourists with free internet access.
Through its GPON fibre expansion, the company has also brought high-speed internet connectivity to remote and important towns throughout the nation.
Additionally, local businesses now have better access to cloud computing thanks to the introduction of Azure Stack and Complex Solutions.
Liquid set up a Cyber Security Fusion Centre in Lusaka to protect the digital realm by providing cutting-edge defence against online attacks. Its vast 110,000-kilometer fibre network throughout Africa, along with satellite connectivity, offers dependable internet access throughout Zambia and the continent, giving people and businesses access to top-notch digital infrastructure.
Liquid Zambia's continued dedication to providing all Zambians with access to digital opportunities is reflected in this partnership with Zanaco. Removing obstacles, facilitating access, and enabling communities to prosper in a digital world are more important than banking or connectivity alone.
