News

Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, in partnership with Mastercard, Diamond Trust Bank, and Network International, has launched the Airtel Money Global Pay Card. This innovative virtual prepaid card is designed to offer Ugandans a secure and convenient method for making international payments.

Overview of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card

The Airtel Money Global Pay Card enables customers to conduct transactions with international merchants effortlessly. Users can utilize this card for various services including:

• Online Shopping: Purchase items from platforms such as eBay, Amazon, and Alibaba.
• Streaming Services: Access entertainment on platforms like Spotify, Netflix, and Apple Music.
• Online Learning: Enroll in courses via Duolingo, Coursera, and Udemy.
• Digital Advertising: Advertise on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X.
• Travel Bookings: Make reservations through Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb.
• Software Subscriptions: Pay for services from Google, Microsoft, and Adobe.

Benefits of the Card

During the launch event held in Kampala, Japhet Aritho, the managing director of Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, emphasized that the prepaid card allows customers to load only the required amount of money. This feature provides users with better control over their spending across various services such as e-commerce, entertainment, education, travel, and digital advertising.

Aritho highlighted that the Pay Card operates independently of the customer's daily Airtel Money wallet. Customers can create the card for free through the My Airtel App and transfer funds from their mobile money wallet without incurring any charges.

Commitment to Innovation

“We are pleased to launch a product that reflects our dedication to delivering innovative and accessible financial solutions to Ugandans," Aritho said. He acknowledged the decline of USSD technology and expressed the company's commitment to leading with a prepaid Virtual Card. This initiative aims to unlock global opportunities, enabling customers to confidently engage in the expanding global digital economy.

Insights from Network International

Dan Edoma, the country director of Network International, which facilitates digital commerce, discussed the development of an integrated payment solution that encompasses everything from payment processing and card management to fraud prevention and regulatory compliance. Edoma believes this card will not only enhance the utilization of digital innovations but also create avenues for increased digital inclusion, allowing more users to establish their digital identities.

“This marks an opportunity for us to advance digital inclusion not only in Uganda but also in the rest of Africa. Whether it is a small business owner wanting to enter the global marketplace or a student looking to pay for an online course, they can do so using the virtual card,” Edoma stated.

Growth in Uganda's Digital Financial Services

Uganda's digital financial services sector has experienced remarkable growth, with mobile money transactions reaching US$ 191 trillion in the year leading up to June 2023. This represents a 23 percent increase from the previous year's total of US$ 156 trillion, according to reports from the Bank of Uganda. The launch of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card is poised to further enhance this upward trend, providing Ugandans with more options for engaging in the digital economy.