Airtel Money, in collaboration with Diamond Trust Bank Uganda (DTB), Mastercard, and Network International, has unveiled the Airtel Money Global Pay Card. This innovative virtual payment solution was launched in style at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward digital financial inclusion.
The Airtel Money Global Pay Card is a revolutionary tool aimed at bridging the gap between traditional banking services and the unbanked population.
Designed to empower Ugandans with secure, seamless, and borderless payment capabilities, this virtual card allows users to: make international payments, shop online on global platforms like Amazon, and to subscribe to streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify.
What sets this card apart is its accessibility. Unlike traditional credit cards that require a bank account or credit history, the Airtel Money Global Pay Card can be activated directly from a mobile phone via USSD (*185#) or the Airtel Money app. This makes it a perfect fit for Uganda’s rapidly growing smartphone user base.
The event brought together key stakeholders who highlighted the significance of this innovation.
Japhet Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money, emphasized how this solution eliminates banking barriers: “With this innovation, anyone in Uganda can access a global payment card without needing a credit history. Parents can also use it to manage their children’s spending, providing security and control over transactions.”
Godfrey Sebaana, CEO of DTB Bank, underscored the power of collaboration: “This partnership between Airtel Money, Mastercard, and Network International is empowering Africa. Customers can now obtain a digital card and use USSD to facilitate transactions in a secure environment.”
Lenin Sembo Oyuga, Head of Digital Telco Partnerships at Mastercard for Middle East and Africa, reiterated Mastercard’s commitment to financial inclusion: “Our vision is to create an inclusive digital economy. This partnership ensures that unbanked and underserved communities gain access to seamless financial solutions.”
Dan Edoma, Country Director of Network International, described the initiative as a testament to what multi-partner collaborations can achieve: “This launch demonstrates how organizations can unite to empower communities through innovative solutions.”
Uganda has long faced challenges in achieving widespread financial inclusion due to limited access to traditional banking services.
According to data from Airtel Money, many Ugandans rely on mobile money platforms for basic financial transactions like sending money or paying bills. The Airtel Money Global Pay Card takes this a step further by enabling international transactions—a feature previously out of reach for many.
This development is particularly significant for:
- Businesses: Entrepreneurs can now engage with international markets more easily.
- Students: Accessing global educational resources becomes simpler.
- Everyday Consumers: From shopping online to subscribing to global services, users now have greater financial freedom.
Additionally, the card offers robust security features such as PIN authentication and instant transaction notifications, ensuring users feel confident about their digital payments.
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