Orange, Mastercard boost financial access

Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and Mastercard have unveiled a strategic alliance aimed at expanding mobile financial services throughout Sub-Saharan Africa

This significant collaboration is expected to grant millions of Orange Money users access to Mastercard’s global merchant network by 2025. The partnership will launch across seven countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

Bridging financial access

With only 48% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa currently holding bank accounts, as noted in the African Digital Banking Transformation Report, this partnership is designed to bridge the financial access gap and empower underserved communities. Orange Money users will soon have the ability to acquire virtual or physical debit cards directly linked to their Orange Money wallets. These cards will enable seamless local and international payments, allowing transactions with local businesses and across any platform accepting Mastercard. Virtual cards can be requested via Max it—Orange’s Super App—while physical cards can be obtained from selected Orange Money Mastercard outlets.

Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, Middle East and Africa, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “This collaboration is an opportunity to bring top notch innovation to our customers, allow to pay with the Mastercard card linked to their Orange Money wallet when they travel internationally, and give them access to online shopping all over the world, in a simple and secure way. By offering our users the ability to pay effortlessly with Mastercard virtual card, we open the door to a world of new possibilities and promote their financial independence.”

Amnah Ajmal, Executive vice-president of market development at Mastercard EEMEA, commented, “At Mastercard, we are committed to advancing financial inclusion by leveraging cutting-edge technology to create meaningful, scalable impact. Our collaboration with Orange Money represents a significant step in unlocking the full potential of digital financial services across Africa, enabling millions to participate in the global economy. This collaboration is a testament to our vision to building an inclusive digital ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”

Orange’s reach, which includes over 160 million customers and 37 million active Orange Money accounts in 17 African and Middle Eastern nations, has already played a vital role in enhancing financial inclusion. Through accessible, secure mobile services like transfers, payments, and other financial tools, Orange Money has provided affordable financial solutions to individuals previously excluded from the formal banking system.

This partnership also strengthens Mastercard’s position as a leading technology partner for African telecom providers. Mastercard’s expertise in secure payment gateways, local market knowledge, and SME-focused solutions fuels growth, innovation, and financial inclusion across the region. Additionally, this collaboration aligns with Orange’s commitment to delivering efficient, seamless payment solutions, advancing both financial inclusion and digital transformation across Africa.