Western Union, in collaboration with Chipper Cash and Zoona Transactions Zambia Limited, has launched a new international money transfer service within the Chipper Cash mobile app, expanding cross-border financial access for Zambian users.
The newly introduced service enables individuals in Zambia to send and receive funds globally via Chipper Cash, integrating Western Union’s expansive international payment network with Chipper Cash’s mobile-first infrastructure and Zoona’s local market expertise.
Zoona, a Zambia-based fintech and enterprise payments provider, was acquired by Chipper Cash in 2022. Together, the combined platform now serves approximately five million users across Africa.
Through this partnership, Chipper Cash users in Zambia gain access to Western Union’s global network, covering over 200 countries and territories. The service supports transfers directly to mobile wallets worldwide, with the added flexibility of cash pickup at numerous global locations. A bank account payout option is also expected to be rolled out soon.
“Zambia’s young and digitally driven population of more than 20 million is accelerating the shift toward mobile-centric financial services,” said Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Regional Vice President for Africa at Western Union. “By embedding our international transfer capabilities within the Chipper Cash app, we’re enhancing financial connectivity and reliability for Zambians participating in the global economy.”
The Chipper Cash app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. Users can initiate transfers using funds in their Chipper wallet, which can be topped up through various channels, including mobile network operators, banks, ATMs, and authorized retail agents.
Reflecting on Zambia’s evolving fintech landscape, Brett Magrath, CEO of Zoona and Chief Product Officer at Chipper Cash, noted: “We’ve seen Zambia move from predominantly cash-based transactions to a vibrant mobile and digital payment ecosystem. This partnership represents a significant milestone, as smartphone adoption increases and the demand for comprehensive, app-based financial experiences grows.”
According to Magrath, the initiative is a pivotal step in extending the reach of Zambia’s digital economy. “It enables broader access to global financial services, empowering users with the tools they need to participate fully in the modern financial world.”
This strategic alliance underscores the continued growth and innovation within Africa’s digital finance sector, as global and local players collaborate to deliver accessible, secure, and efficient cross-border services.
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