OMEA & Mastercard in Africa: A 2025 Aim to Digitise Payments
The strategic partnership between OMEA, Orange’s Middle East and Africa division, and Mastercard aims to expand access to mobile financial services across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Hoping to empower millions of Orange Money wallets with digital payments by 2025, both organisations are partnering to boost financial inclusion across seven countries within the continent. One of the largest types of collaborations in the region, Orange Money wallet holders will be able to access digital payments through Mastercard’s global network of merchants by 2025.
“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.”
The partnership will be rolled out in seven countries including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone. The end goal is to improve digital access for individuals in these regions by enabling them to make payments more easily.
Supporting underserved communities with mobile banking
Currently, only 48% of the adult population across the African continent are banked, according to the African Digital Banking Transformation Report. With this in mind, Orange’s collaboration with Mastercard is designed to accelerate financial access by contributing to the financial empowerment of underserved communities.
- 160 million+ customers
- 37 million active Orange Money accounts
- 17 countries in MEA
According to OMEA, Orange Money customers will be able to obtain a virtual or physical debit card linked directly to their Orange Money wallets. These cards will enable seamless payments both locally and internationally and enable transactions with local merchants, in addition to any website or mobile app that accepts Mastercard.
“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,” explains Aminata Kane, CEO Orange Money Group, Middle East and Africa.
“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.”
Unlocking digital inclusion
Orange has been working across Africa for a number of years as it aims to provide greater digital services and mobile connectivity for the people living there.
The company’s aim is to offer its social and environmental commitments to life by promoting digital, financial and energy inclusion by ensuring its services provide concrete solutions to people’s essential needs.
Its extensive reach has already proven to be a crucial enabler of financial inclusion by offering simple and secure transfers, payments tools and other financial services via mobile phones. Likewise, Orange Money has been able to offer affordable, reliable and accessible financial solutions to individuals who were previously excluded from the formal financial system.
Collaborating with Mastercard strengthens the credit card company’s position as a trustworthy technology partner for telecommunications companies across Africa. The company already holds extensive expertise in securing payment gateways, local market know-how and tailored solutions for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) supporting growth, innovation and financial inclusion across the continent.
“At Mastercard, we are committed to advancing financial inclusion by leveraging cutting-edge technology to create meaningful, scalable impact,” says Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President Market Development at Mastercard EMEA.
“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 is a testament to our vision to building an inclusive digital ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”
This partnership also supports Orange’s broader strategy to offer more efficient and seamless payment solutions to its customers, which further delivers on its aim to boost financial inclusion and support Africa’s continued digital transformation.
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