Africa: Orange Middle East and Africa and Mastercard Join Forces to Digitize Payments for Millions Across Africa by 2025

Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) has partnered with Mastercard to expand mobile financial services across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to empower millions of Orange Money users with access to digital payments through Mastercard’s extensive merchant network by 2025. This initiative, one of the largest in the region, will initially roll out in seven countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

Boosting Financial Access in Underserved Communities

With only 48 percent of Africa’s adult population having a bank account, according to the African Digital Banking Transformation Report, this partnership aims to bridge the financial inclusion gap. Orange Money users can instantly obtain virtual or physical debit cards linked directly to their wallets, enabling secure and seamless transactions both locally and internationally. These Mastercard-enabled cards can be used with local merchants and on any website or app that accepts Mastercard payments. Customers can request a virtual card through the Max it Super App, while physical cards are available at designated Orange Money Mastercard points of sale.

Delivering Innovation and Convenience

Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the value of this collaboration in enhancing user convenience. “This partnership brings innovation to our customers, enabling them to make global payments securely with a Mastercard linked to their Orange Money wallet. It allows for effortless transactions, empowering financial independence and access to online shopping worldwide,” Kane said.

Advancing Financial Inclusion

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President for Market Development at Mastercard EEMEA, emphasized Mastercard’s dedication to financial inclusion: “We’re committed to leveraging technology to create meaningful, scalable impact. This partnership with Orange Money is a significant step toward empowering millions in Africa to participate in the global economy. It aligns with our vision of building an inclusive digital ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”

With over 160 million customers and 37 million active Orange Money accounts across 17 countries, Orange plays a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Africa. This collaboration supports Orange’s mission to provide affordable and reliable financial services to those previously excluded from formal financial systems.

Enhancing Payment Solutions for Africa’s Digital Transformation

This partnership also reinforces Mastercard’s position as a trusted technology partner for telecom companies in Africa. Through secure payment gateways and tailored solutions for SMEs, Mastercard supports growth, innovation, and financial inclusion across the continent. The collaboration with Orange is part of a broader strategy to deliver efficient and seamless payment solutions, advancing financial inclusion and supporting Africa’s digital transformation agenda.