MTN Zambia has taken a significant step toward deepening financial inclusion and expanding access to the global digital economy with the launch of the MoMo Virtual Card, a new payment solution designed to connect mobile money users to international e-commerce platforms.
The MoMo Virtual Card was officially unveiled in mid-December 2025 at a launch event held at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka. The solution is powered by Mastercard and supported locally by UBA Zambia, and is fully integrated into MTN’s redesigned MoMo App. With the card, users can make online payments on international platforms such as Amazon, Netflix, Alibaba, and other global digital services—without the need for a traditional bank account.
Bridging Mobile Money and Global Commerce
The introduction of the MoMo Virtual Card addresses a long-standing gap in Zambia’s digital payments ecosystem. While mobile money has become a dominant tool for domestic transactions, many users have remained excluded from international online commerce due to limited access to debit or credit cards.
By linking a virtual Mastercard directly to a MoMo wallet, MTN is enabling customers to participate in global e-commerce using funds already stored on their mobile phones. This move significantly lowers the barrier to entry for individuals, freelancers, students, and small business owners who rely on mobile money as their primary financial channel.
According to MTN Zambia, the solution is intended to support both everyday consumers and entrepreneurs who need reliable access to international digital platforms for subscriptions, online shopping, software tools, and business services.
How the MoMo Virtual Card Works
The MoMo Virtual Card operates as a prepaid digital card within the MoMo App. Users can load a specific amount from their main MoMo wallet onto the virtual card, creating a clear separation between their everyday funds and online spending.
This dual-wallet structure is designed to enhance security and spending control. Each card comes with a 16-digit card number, expiry date, and CVV, similar to a traditional Mastercard. Transactions are further protected by One-Time Password (OTP) verification, reducing exposure to online fraud.
Customers can activate the card directly through the MoMo App or by dialing *115# via USSD, making the service accessible even to users with limited smartphone capabilities. Once activated, card details are securely stored in the app, allowing users to manage subscriptions, track payments, and control usage in real time.
Government and Industry Support
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from government, finance, and the digital economy. Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati, described the MoMo Virtual Card as a practical tool for removing barriers to global trade and digital participation.
He noted that solutions like this empower ordinary citizens and small businesses by giving them access to international markets that were previously out of reach. The card aligns with broader national goals around digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
UBA Zambia’s involvement as a supporting partner further strengthens the solution’s credibility within the formal financial system, while Mastercard’s global acceptance ensures interoperability across millions of online merchants worldwide.
Part of MTN’s Ambition 2025 Strategy
MTN Zambia says the MoMo Virtual Card is a core component of its Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on accelerating digital and financial inclusion across its markets. Mobile money has already become a critical platform for payments, savings, and transfers, and the addition of a virtual card extends its relevance beyond local transactions.
For small businesses and online entrepreneurs, the card opens new opportunities to pay for digital tools, advertising, cloud services, and international suppliers. For individuals, it simplifies access to entertainment, education, and global digital services without navigating traditional banking hurdles.
A Step Forward for Digital Payments in Zambia
As e-commerce, streaming, and digital subscriptions continue to grow across Africa, solutions that bridge local payment systems with global platforms are becoming increasingly important. MTN Zambia’s MoMo Virtual Card represents a meaningful step in that direction.
By combining mobile money convenience with global card acceptance, the service positions MoMo not just as a local payments tool, but as a gateway to the wider digital economy. If adoption scales as expected, the MoMo Virtual Card could play a key role in reshaping how Zambians engage with global online services and cross-border commerce.
