Orange Money is extending digital payment capabilities for wallet holders across seven African countries, allowing them to access local and international transactions with greater ease. This initiative is part of Orange’s broader commitment to enhancing financial inclusion and supporting digital transformation across the continent.
Building on past efforts, such as the 2022 partnership with Cellulant in Botswana for card-to-wallet transfers, Orange Money now offers both virtual and physical debit cards directly linked to customers’ wallets. These cards can be used with merchants, websites, and mobile apps worldwide that accept Mastercard, opening up a range of payment options for users. Virtual debit cards are available through Orange’s Max It Super App, while physical cards can be picked up at designated Orange Money Mastercard outlets.
“This partnership aligns with Orange’s vision to provide efficient, seamless payment solutions, ultimately driving greater financial inclusion across Africa,” noted the company.
Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized that the Mastercard-linked cards will empower customers to transact internationally, whether shopping online or making payments abroad.
Orange Money currently boasts over 160 million customers across 17 African and Middle Eastern countries, with 37 million active accounts. However, the service has encountered challenges in certain regions; in Burkina Faso, for example, nearly 15% of Orange’s telecom sites are currently inaccessible due to regional conflicts, disrupting services and complicating site maintenance.
Meanwhile, Orange’s footprint continues to grow in the tech landscape, with Orange Egypt recently joining two other telecom entities in securing licenses from the Egyptian government to expand 5G infrastructure. These initiatives underline Orange’s commitment to expanding digital access and resilience across Africa and the Middle East.
