KAMPALA, UGANDA – Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited (AMCUL) has partnered with Mastercard, Diamond Trust Bank, and Network International to launch the Airtel Money Global Pay Card, a virtual prepaid card designed to facilitate secure and convenient international transactions for Ugandan consumers.
The card, which is accessible through the MyAirtel App, allows customers to load funds and make payments to thousands of international merchants, including online shopping platforms, streaming services, and digital advertising providers.
Speaking at the launch, Japhet Aritho, Managing Director of AMCUL, stated, “We are delighted to launch a product that reflects our commitment to providing innovative and accessible financial solutions to Ugandans.”
Aritho emphasized the importance of innovation in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, noting that USSD technology is becoming obsolete. “That’s why we are leading with a prepaid virtual card on the MyAirtel App,” he explained.
“In partnership with Mastercard, Diamond Trust Bank, and Network International, we are opening doors to global opportunities, enabling our customers to participate in the growing global digital economy with ease and confidence,” Aritho added.
Airtel has invested heavily in internet connectivity across Uganda, upgrading its app to provide more secure and seamless transactions. “With technological advancements across the globe, it is essential for us to innovate and create better services for our customers that are seamless, secure, and borderless,” Aritho noted.
Uganda’s digital financial services have experienced significant growth, with mobile money transactions reaching 191 trillion shillings in the year leading up to June 2023, representing a 23% increase from the previous year.
Lenin Oyuga, Head of Telco Digital Partnerships MEA at Mastercard, commented on the partnership, saying, “The increasing adoption of digital transactions in Uganda underscores the need to collaborate with partners like Airtel Money that have demonstrated the technical, financial, and human resources to expand the boundaries of digital and financial inclusion.”
With the Airtel Money Global Pay Card, customers can access a range of international services, including online shopping, streaming entertainment, online learning, digital advertising, travel bookings, and software subscriptions.
To access the service, customers can download the MyAirtel App, activate their cards, load funds from their Airtel Money wallet, and begin transacting.
The launch of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card is expected to further accelerate the growth of digital financial services in Uganda, providing consumers with a secure, convenient, and accessible way to make international transactions.
