Airtel Africa and Mastercard Unveil GlobalPay Card to Enhance Online Shopping Experience for Airtel Money, SmartCash Customers
Airtel Africa and Mastercard have teamed up to revolutionize digital payments for Airtel Money customers with the launch of the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card. This innovative payment solution aims to connect Airtel Money users across the continent, allowing them to shop seamlessly on global online marketplaces. Notably, in Nigeria, Airtel Money is branded as SmartCash.
The collaboration empowers Airtel’s vast network of 150 million mobile users in 14 African countries, granting them access to Mastercard’s expansive global merchant network. This initiative promises to enhance the security and convenience of international transactions.
The Airtel Money GlobalPay Card is a virtual payment solution that directly links to users’ Airtel Money wallets. It can be utilized for a variety of payments across major online platforms, including Facebook, Netflix, Uber, Amazon, Google, AliExpress, and Alibaba.
Beyond shopping, users can make payments for travel bookings, utility bills, subscriptions, and purchases from international suppliers—all directly from their mobile devices.
Activating the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card is straightforward for customers: simply opt in for the card, load it from the Airtel Money wallet, and start shopping—without the need for any additional documentation, registration, or installations.
This new payment solution is designed to meet the increasing demand for digital payments in Africa and aims to support small businesses in cross-border trade. The partnership reflects Airtel Africa’s commitment to enhancing financial inclusion by offering efficient and user-friendly payment solutions for mobile money users across the continent.
Ian Ferrao, CEO of Airtel Money, remarked, “At Airtel, we are dedicated to innovation that enhances customer experiences. By integrating Mastercard’s secure virtual payment solution into Airtel Money, we are simplifying international payments and making them more accessible for our customers. This partnership enables us to provide a truly global e-commerce experience.”
Mastercard’s global network and expertise are crucial in supporting financial inclusion initiatives in Africa. This collaboration aligns with Mastercard’s goal to bring one billion people, 50 million small businesses, and 25 million women entrepreneurs into the digital economy by 2025.
Muhammad Nana, Senior Vice President for Digital Partnerships at Mastercard Middle East and Africa, added, “Our digital partnerships strategy is focused on enabling our partners’ digital transformation, allowing them to provide their customers with access to a seamless global payment ecosystem. With over 150 million Airtel Africa consumers now connected to the global digital economy, we are expanding access to the benefits of e-commerce.”
With the rise in mobile internet accessibility and the proliferation of affordable smartphones, African consumers are well-positioned to take advantage of the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card, empowering both banked and unbanked users to shop globally and access digital products and services directly from their mobile phones.
How to Link Your Airtel Money GlobalPay Card:
1. Download the MyAirtel App from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Select Airtel Money and enter your PIN.
3. Opt-in for the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card powered by Mastercard and accept the terms and conditions.
4. Top-up your card from your Airtel Money wallet and start shopping!