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Airtel Africa has joined forces with Mastercard to launch the “Airtel Money GlobalPay Card”, a virtual payment solution designed to enhance digital transactions and connect millions of users across Africa to the global marketplace.
“Expanding Financial Inclusion with Secure Digital Payments”
Ian Ferrao, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Money, highlighted that this strategic collaboration will empower Airtel’s 150 million mobile users across 14 African countries by enabling seamless access to Mastercard’s vast merchant network for secure international transactions.
The **Airtel Money GlobalPay Card** is a **non-plastic, virtual payment solution** linked directly to Airtel Money wallets, allowing users to conduct global online payments with ease. The card can be used for transactions on major international platforms such as:
– E-commerce: Amazon, AliExpress, Alibaba
– Streaming Services: Netflix, Google
– Transportation & Travel: Uber, airline bookings
– Utilities & Subscriptions: Various digital platforms
Driving Digital Payments and Cross-Border Trade
Ferrao emphasized that the new payment solution is designed to meet Africa’s growing demand for digital payments while also supporting small businesses engaged in cross-border trade. The initiative aligns with Airtel Africa’s broader objective of advancing financial inclusion through seamless and efficient mobile money services.
“By integrating Mastercard’s secure virtual payment technology with Airtel Money, we are simplifying international payments and making them more accessible. Mastercard’s expertise in digital transactions will play a key role in driving financial inclusion efforts across Africa.”– Ian Ferrao, CEO, Airtel Money
The initiative also supports Mastercard’s global commitment to bringing one billion people, 50 million small businesses, and 25 million women entrepreneurs into the digital economy by 2025.
Seamless Access to the Global Payment Ecosystem.
Muhammad Nana, Senior Vice President for Digital Partnerships at Mastercard Middle East and Africa, noted that this collaboration is part of Mastercard’s broader strategy to drive digital transformation across the continent.
“With over 150 million Airtel Africa consumers now connected to the global digital economy, we are helping more people access the benefits of e-commerce. As mobile internet access and smartphone affordability improve, African consumers are well-positioned to take full advantage of this new solution.” – Muhammad Nana, SVP, Mastercard
By leveraging Airtel Money and Mastercard’s capabilities, this initiative reinforces regulatory compliance, digital financial security, and cross-border payment innovation, further enhancing Africa’s participation in the global financial ecosystem.
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