The financial landscape in Uganda has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card. Introduced in collaboration with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), Mastercard, and Network International, this virtual payment solution was unveiled at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.

This innovation enables safe, easy, and borderless digital transactions, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s financial inclusion journey.

A Pioneering Digital Payment Solution

The Airtel Money Global Pay Card is designed to provide Ugandans with seamless international payment capabilities. Customers can now use their mobile devices to purchase goods and services online, make cross-border payments, and subscribe to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify.

This virtual card eliminates the need for a credit history, making global financial transactions more accessible to the unbanked population.

Japhet Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money, highlighted the card’s potential to bridge financial gaps. “With this innovation, anyone in Uganda can access a global payment card without needing a credit history. Parents can also use it to manage their children’s spending, providing security and control over transactions,” he stated.

M-PESA Global Ventures into Ethiopian Market

A Strategic Partnership for Financial Inclusion

The introduction of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card is the result of a multi-partner collaboration aimed at promoting financial inclusion in Uganda.

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB): DTB Managing Director Godfrey Sebaana emphasised the security and convenience of digital transactions. “This collaboration between Airtel Money, Mastercard, and Network International is empowering Africa. Instead of carrying a physical card, customers can now obtain a digital card and use USSD to facilitate transactions in a secure environment,” he noted.
Mastercard: Lenin Sembo Oyuga, Mastercard’s Head of Digital Telco Partnerships for the Middle East and Africa, reiterated the company’s commitment to financial inclusion. “Our vision is to create an inclusive digital economy. This partnership ensures that unbanked and underserved communities gain access to seamless financial solutions,” he said.
Network International: Dan Edoma, Country Director of Network International, described the launch as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration. “When organisations come together to empower communities via creative solutions, the results are transformative,” he remarked.

How to Activate the Airtel Money Global Pay Card

Airtel Money customers can easily activate the Global Pay Card using USSD or the Airtel Money app. This user-friendly approach makes international payments more accessible than ever.

Key Benefits of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card:

Instant Transactions :Enjoy seamless and quick payments across international platforms.
Enhanced Security:Transactions are protected with PIN authentication, ensuring safe usage.
Convenience: No need for a physical card; all transactions can be done from a mobile device.
Financial Management: Parents can oversee their children’s online spending.
Global Access: Enables purchases from international platforms and businesses.

Michael Atingi-Ego Appointed as New Governor of Bank of Uganda in Major Leadership Shift

The Future of Digital Payments in Uganda

With the continued expansion of digital solutions across Africa, the launch of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card represents a crucial step toward financial empowerment and economic growth. Businesses, students, and everyday consumers now have an efficient and secure way to interact with the global market.

As Uganda embraces digital transformation, collaborations like these will continue to shape the future of financial services, ensuring that more people have access to innovative and inclusive payment solutions.

Stay connected with the latest developments in fintech and financial inclusion as Uganda moves toward a more digitally integrated economy.