In a nation where 8 out of 10 transactions still happen in cash, FNB Zambia and Airtel Mobile Commerce Ltd are challenging the norm.
Their Wallet-on-POS partnership, launched on October 31, 2024, enables Airtel Money users to tap into instant, cardless payments at every FNB POS terminal, unlocking new momentum for Zambia’s financial inclusion drive.
As of November 2025, adoption is surging in urban hubs like Lusaka and Kitwe, marking the first true integration of mobile money with traditional banking infrastructure in Zambia’s history.
Verified through official releases from both companies and the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), this innovation is more than a convenience upgrade and a major stride toward financial equality in a country where 60% of adults remain unbanked (FinScope Zambia 2023, with 2024 projections showing marginal gains).
How It Works
Picture this: You’re at a Lusaka market or rural clinic, and instead of looking for kwacha notes, you simply scan a QR code or enter your PIN at an FNB terminal.
The payment deducts directly from your Airtel Money wallet with no card, no bank account, and no internet data needed beyond the initial setup.
Here’s what powers it:
- Nationwide Reach: FNB operates 5,000+ POS terminals across Zambia, from supermarkets to fuel stations. Airtel Money’s 4.5 million active users (Q3 2024, Airtel Africa) now gain access to that network.
- Security First: Transactions are end-to-end encrypted and compliant with PCI DSS and BoZ standards. Early Copperbelt pilots logged zero fraud incidents, per FNB’s 2024 audit reports.
- No Extra Fees (for now): Merchants enjoy zero transaction fees until mid-2025 under the promotional rollout, making digital payments cost-competitive with cash.
It’s a seamless blend of telco agility and bank-grade infrastructure, bridging the “last mile” in Zambia’s cash-heavy economy, where 72% of GDP circulates through informal, unregistered businesses.
Leadership Voices: Why It Matters
FNB Zambia CEO Kapumpe Chola called the launch “a milestone for inclusive innovation.”
“This makes financial access a right, not a privilege, driving inclusive digital innovation,” said Chola in a statement to ZNBC.
Airtel Money’s Director Andrew Chuma emphasised merchant empowerment:
“It boosts convenience and interoperability, turning every FNB POS into an Airtel acceptance point,” he said during an October 2024 SME webinar.
Even regulators are applauding. Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor Rekha Chifuwe Mhango, speaking at the Zambia Fintech Summit 2024, hailed it as “a model for innovation advancing inclusion and empowerment.”
The move dovetails with Zambia’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2017–2026), which targets 70% adult access by the end of next year.
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From Markets to Mobile: Early Impact
The ripple effects are already evident:
- Small Merchants Win Big: In Lusaka’s Soweto Market, traders accepting Airtel Money via FNB POS reported a 25% rise in transactions within a month of onboarding. With FNB subsidising terminals for micro-retailers, barriers to entry are disappearing fast.
- Rural Reach Expands: In the Eastern Province, Airtel’s 10,000-agent network now links seamlessly to FNB POS terminals for high-value purchases, cutting costs for remittances and small businesses alike.
- Cashless Culture Rising: Zambia’s digital payment share climbed to 18% in 2024 (up from 12% in 2022, BoZ data), supported by 45% smartphone penetration (GSMA 2025). Wallet-on-POS could accelerate this trajectory, especially among first-time digital users.
To support adoption, both firms are investing in financial literacy drives, SMS tutorials, and community demos. Airtel has pledged K10 million ($400,000) through 2025 to boost user education and trust.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Connectivity gaps remain a challenge in rural areas, and scaling user awareness will be crucial. Still, the partnership’s early momentum suggests a strong cultural fit: mobile-first, cash-averse, and community-driven.
Industry sources at the Africa Fintech Festival (October 2025) hint that MTN Zambia may join the interoperability network by Q1 2026, potentially making Zambia one of Africa’s most integrated mobile-money ecosystems.
A Cashless Future, One Tap at a Time
At its core, Wallet-on-POS turns “mobile money” into a bridge. For millions of Zambians, it means freedom from cash, lower transaction costs, and greater control over their finances.
Your money. Your rules. Anywhere.
As Zambia charges toward its digital economy goals, this partnership signals a future where convenience meets inclusion and where every transaction, from a bag of maize to a hospital bill, can happen with a single tap.
FNB Zambia Online Banking & Services
The FNB Zambia Online Banking App gives customers seamless access to FNB Zambia accounts, fund transfers, and bill payments.
Through FNB Zambia online banking, users can manage finances anytime via mobile or web platforms. The bank offers a range of FNB Zambia loans tailored for individuals and businesses.
For assistance, customers can reach out via the FNB Zambia contact number or visit any FNB Zambia branches across the country.
Essential banking details include the FNB Zambia SWIFT code for international transfers and specific FNB Zambia branch codes for localised services.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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