• Zambia’s National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has rolled out mobile money payments across toll stations.

• Authorities aim to reduce congestion, limit fraud risks and improve revenue collection efficiency.

• Mobile money adoption is accelerating, with transactions exceeding 100 billion kwacha in March 2025.

The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has introduced a mobile money payment system across all toll stations under its management nationwide. The reform aims to modernize toll fee collection, reduce congestion at toll gates and improve operational efficiency.

Alphonsius Hamachila, NRFA’s Head of Public Relations, presented the initiative on Sunday, April 12. The agency is implementing the system as part of a broader digital transformation strategy. The new solution operates alongside existing payment methods, including cash and the E-Toll electronic card, thereby offering road users three payment options. According to NRFA, the system enables faster and more secure transactions while reducing reliance on cash handling and easing traffic flow at toll points.

In practice, drivers complete payments directly via mobile phones. Toll agents enter the user’s phone number, and the system validates the transaction instantly on the driver’s device. However, the agency stated that the solution will not apply to toll stations operated under public-private partnerships (PPP), which will continue using their own management systems.

This development comes amid rapid growth in mobile money usage in Zambia. The Bank of Zambia reported that the sector reached a record milestone, with transactions exceeding 100 billion kwacha (approximately $5.2 billion) in March 2025, marking the highest monthly level ever recorded and highlighting the scale of digital payment adoption in the national economy.

By integrating mobile money into toll operations, authorities aim to improve revenue collection for road maintenance and modernization. The system should also reduce risks associated with cash handling and enhance transaction transparency.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum