Orange Middle East and Africa has announced a strategic partnership with global payments leader Mastercard to increase access to mobile financial services throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. By 2025, the collaboration aims to enable millions of Orange Money wallet users to conduct digital payments via Mastercard’s extensive network of global merchants.
This initiative will initially launch in seven countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
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Empowering underserved communities through financial access
With only 48 percent of African adults currently banked, as reported by the African Digital Banking Transformation Report, Orange and Mastercard’s collaboration seeks to close this financial access gap. The partnership aims to support the financial empowerment of underserved communities by accelerating access to secure and convenient digital payment options.
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Under this initiative, Orange Money customers will have the option to obtain a virtual or physical debit card directly linked to their Orange Money wallets. These cards will allow seamless transactions with local merchants and provide international payment capabilities, supporting purchases on websites, mobile applications, and during travel. Customers can easily request a virtual card via Orange’s Max it app or collect a physical card at designated Orange Money Mastercard locations.
Innovation to enhance financial independence
Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group for Middle East and Africa, emphasised the transformative potential of this partnership for Orange customers. “This collaboration is an opportunity to bring top-notch innovation to our customers, allow them 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,” Kane explained. She added, “By offering our users the ability to pay effortlessly with a Mastercard virtual card, we open the door to a world of new possibilities and promote their financial independence.”
Advancing financial inclusion across Africa
With over 160 million customers and 37 million active Orange Money accounts across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East, Orange has already made a substantial impact on financial inclusion. Through accessible mobile technology, Orange Money provides essential financial services, including secure transfers and payment solutions, to those previously outside the formal financial system.
Amnah Ajmal, executive vice President of market development at Mastercard for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, underscored Mastercard’s dedication to inclusive finance: “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.”
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Supporting Africa’s digital transformation
This partnership also enhances Mastercard’s position as a reliable technology partner for African telecommunications companies. With expertise in secure payment solutions and tailored financial tools, Mastercard supports growth and innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating financial inclusion across the continent.
Aligned with Orange’s strategy to provide efficient and accessible financial services, the Orange-Mastercard partnership will expand financial access, supporting Africa’s broader digital transformation and empowering communities through greater access to digital payments.