Zambia has entered a new chapter in digital payments following the launch of Airtel Money on FNB Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. The move is seen as part of the journey to deepen financial inclusion for millions who remain outside of the formal financial system.
Airtel Money and FNB Zambia yesterday unveiled a first-of-its-kind partnership that lets customers pay directly from their mobile wallets at any FNB POS terminal.
Kapumpe Chola, CEO of FNB Zambia said the collaboration enables instant, cardless payments, whether buying groceries, paying bills, or supporting small businesses. It is seen as a critical bridge between traditional banking and mobile money ecosystems.
“At FNB Zambia, we believe that access to financial services is a right, not a privilege. This product is born out of listening to our customers, understanding their needs, and responding with agility and purpose,” she said.
Airtel Zambia, the country’s second-largest mobile network operator with over 8.5 million subscribers, expressed confidence that the collaboration will fast-track the country’s digital transformation and bring more people into the formal economy.
“Together with FNB, we are driving interoperability that enhances convenience, supports merchants, and accelerates Zambia’s transition to a truly cashless economy,” said Andrew Chuma, country director, Airtel Money Zambia.
Rekha Chifuwe Mhango, deputy governor of the Bank of Zambia, who also attended the launch, added that the partnership supports national efforts to expand digital access.
“The Bank of Zambia welcomes such collaborations that advance interoperability and deepen financial inclusion. When innovation meets responsible partnership, we take another bold step toward a more inclusive and digitally empowered Zambia,” she stated.
According to the Bank of Zambia, integrating mobile money with banking infrastructure is critical to transforming the country’s informal economy, where most transactions are still cash-based. Airtel’s growing fintech ecosystem, combined with FNB’s network of over 5 000 POS terminals, is expected to unlock opportunities for micro-merchants and rural consumers.
As Zambia’s mobile money transactions exceeded $20 billion (K486 billion) in 2024, the new Airtel-FNB service unlocks a financial inclusion avenue for every Zambian to pay, save and participate in the country’s growing digital economy.
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