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Orange and Mastercard team up to expand financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting digital inclusion and global access. (Image source: Orange)

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.

Network and Ant International partner to expand digital payments in MEA, advancing financial inclusion and seamless e-wallet services. (Image source: Network International)

Network International (Network), a prominent digital commerce enabler across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global fintech leader Ant International

This partnership will focus on advancing digital payment solutions for MEA businesses, promoting financial inclusion and digital transformation in the region.

Through this collaboration, Network aims to leverage Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions to enhance e-wallet services for its MEA customers. Alipay+ Wallet Tech offers a comprehensive suite for developing e-wallet applications and supporting super app functionalities, enabling e-wallet integration on a global scale.

Expanding payment options

Plans are also underway to expand the partnership across other MEA countries. Network will introduce Alipay+ payment options to online platforms in the region, allowing users to pay seamlessly both online and offline via QR codes and their preferred digital payment methods. Alipay+ already connects over 30 digital payment methods worldwide.

Additionally, Network will work with Ant International’s Antom platform to improve Antom’s card processing capabilities, expanding acceptance of UAE-issued international debit and credit cards, and enabling global merchants to offer more local payment options for enhanced consumer engagement.

Nandan Mer, CEO, Network International, said, “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Ant International to expand their footprint in the Middle East and Africa and contribute to financial inclusion efforts within the region. This collaboration underscores our commitment to accelerating digital transformation, enabling the growth of businesses in the region”.

Peng Yang, CEO, Ant International, remarked, “We are delighted to join hands with Network International to serve regional and global merchants, including SMEs in UAE and the MEA region. By combining our innovative technologies and digitisation solutions with Network’s deep know-how of this region, we are providing more growth opportunities to the merchants, enabling them to thrive in the digital era.”

CA Kenya mandates tax compliance for mobile devices, impacting assemblers, importers, and retailers starting January 2025. (Adobe Stock)

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) serves as the regulatory body for the ICT sector in Kenya, overseeing telecommunications, e-commerce, cybersecurity, broadcasting, and postal services

It manages the country's numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administers the Universal Service Fund (USF), and advocates for consumer rights in ICT services. Additionally, the Authority promotes trade in ICT by facilitating the clearance of permits for type-approved imported equipment through the Kenya Trade Network Agency (Ken Trade) National Single Window System (TradeNet System/Trade Facilitation Platform).

To enhance the integrity and tax compliance of mobile devices in Kenya, the Authority has issued a notification to all stakeholders, including mobile network operators involved in the local assembly, importation, distribution, and connection of mobile devices to local networks. Starting January 1, 2025, the following requirements will be enforced for all mobile phone devices in Kenya.

New IMEI compliance regulations

Local assemblers must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number of each assembled device to a portal provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to ensure tax compliance. Importers of mobile phones, whether for sale, testing, research, or other purposes, will be required to include the IMEI Number in their import documentation submitted to the KRA. This disclosure is essential for registering devices in the National Master Database of Tax-Compliant Devices.

Retailers and wholesalers must ensure they only sell or distribute mobile devices that are tax compliant. The Authority will provide a method for verifying the tax compliance status of mobile devices before purchase by retailers or end-users. Mobile network operators will be required to connect devices to their networks only after confirming their tax compliance status through a whitelist database of compliant devices maintained by the Authority. Additionally, operators must implement a gray-listing process for non-compliant devices to allow for regularization within a specified timeframe; failure to comply will result in the devices being blacklisted.

These new requirements will apply to all devices imported or assembled in the country from November 1, 2024. Existing devices on mobile networks as of October 31, 2024, will remain unaffected.

Angus Gibb joins Diebold Nixdorf as senior regional manager for sub-Saharan Africa to drive growth in banking solutions. (Image source: Diebold Nixdorf)

Diebold Nixdorf, a global leader in automating and transforming banking and shopping experiences, has announced the appointment of Angus Gibb as senior regional manager for sub-Saharan Africa

Based in Johannesburg, he will focus on driving the company’s growth strategy for banking solutions in the region.

With nearly 25 years of experience in senior sales and marketing roles within the financial services industry, Angus possesses extensive expertise in technologies that promote financial inclusion, particularly across Africa. His background equips him with a deep understanding of the critical value drivers for financial institutions, as well as emerging trends in payments, branch and cash transformation, digitisation, artificial intelligence, and the transition to cloud-based technologies. Angus will leverage Diebold Nixdorf’s solutions to navigate this complex landscape.

Before joining Diebold Nixdorf, Angus served as Market Engagement Director for a tech startup, where he provided a cloud-native platform engineering solution to enterprises aiming to modernize their technology without the need for extensive skill sets. He has also held senior consulting and director roles, helping major financial institutions effectively market insurance and other financial products to mass markets through various direct marketing channels.

Kenya has established itself as a leader in mobile financial services and digital innovation. (Image source: GSMA)

The latest GSMA report, Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Kenya, projects that by 2028, Kenya's digital economy will contribute KSH 662 billion (approx. US$5.15bn) to its GDP

This growth, driven by strategic policy reforms, will accelerate digitalisation in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and trade. The report also forecasts the creation of 300,000 jobs and a KSH 150 billion (approx. US$1.17bn) increase in tax revenues.

Kenya has established itself as a leader in mobile financial services and digital innovation. The government, through Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), recognises digitalisation as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. The GSMA study highlights the economic potential of expanding digital adoption and provides a roadmap to maximise these gains through targeted policies.

To maintain momentum, Kenya is focusing on digitalisation to diversify the economy, increase productivity, and create high-quality jobs, especially for the youth and rural populations. Digitalisation is seen as key to driving economic growth, increasing government revenues, and boosting socio-economic development.

Introducing the digital Africa index

In addition to the report on Kenya’s digital economy, the GSMA launched the Digital Africa Index (DAI), which assesses digital adoption and usage across Africa. The index aims to support policymakers by identifying areas for improvement to accelerate digital transformation. Kenya ranks among Africa’s top performers, underscoring the importance of progressive policies that have enabled mobile broadband adoption and innovation.

With Kenya scoring above 50, the DAI highlights its potential for growth. It also works alongside the Digital Policy and Regulatory Index (DPRI), identifying policy bottlenecks and offering benchmarks for countries aiming to boost their digital economies.

Digitalisation’s impact on economic growth

The GSMA report reveals that digitalisation in key sectors, which account for 58% of Kenya's GDP, will drive significant economic contributions by 2028, creating jobs and boosting tax revenues. In 2023, Kenya’s mobile ecosystem contributed KSH 1.2 trillion (approx. US$9.23bn) to GDP and KSH 212 billion (approx. US$1.65bn) in government revenues. However, the report highlights remaining gaps that must be addressed through bold policies to stimulate demand, reduce supply costs, and encourage investment in telecom infrastructure, mobile money, and digital services.

Closing the Internet Gap

Despite 99% of the population being covered by 3G and 98% by 4G, only 33.5% of Kenyans use mobile internet, leaving a substantial gap. The GSMA projects that this gap could shrink from 63% to 46% by 2028, bringing 1.5 million new users online and increasing mobile money adoption.

Smartphone fffordability and digital inclusion

A separate GSMA report, Barriers to Smartphone Adoption: Kenya Case Study, examines how improving smartphone affordability and access could enhance digital inclusion. While Kenya has extensive mobile coverage, high device costs prevent many from adopting smartphones. The report recommends policy measures such as tax cuts and device financing options to help millions more Kenyans access mobile internet services by 2028. Improving smartphone access would close the internet gap and increase mobile money usage, driving financial inclusion.

Angela Wamola, GSMA Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, noted, “Kenya has made remarkable strides in expanding mobile coverage and services. However, substantial gaps persist. Bold policy initiatives are necessary to boost demand, lower supply costs, and foster investment in digital infrastructure. Such measures promise broad benefits beyond mobile, catalysing productivity across all sectors and generating myriad employment opportunities for Kenya.”

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