• Orange launches virtual payment card linked to mobile wallets

• Tool aims to widen access to international online transactions

• Move reflects telecom shift toward fast-growing fintech services

Telecom operator Orange has launched a virtual payment card in Sierra Leone, linked to the Mastercard network, in a move aimed at expanding access to digital financial services.

The card, called Orange Money Mastercard, was officially introduced on March 26. It is accessible through mobile wallets and allows users to make secure online payments, access international services, and carry out transactions globally.

The product stems from a partnership between Orange Money, Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, Mastercard, and Paymentology, a U.K.-based fintech specializing in payment processing and card issuance.

Efforts for financial and digital inclusion

The rollout is expected to strengthen both financial and digital inclusion in Sierra Leone. In a statement, Orange said the initiative marks a step forward in giving individuals and businesses greater access to financial tools while supporting the country’s transition toward a digital economy.

According to David Mansaray, CEO of Orange Money Sierra Leone, the card addresses a key barrier: access to international payment methods. Many people in the country want to shop online or subscribe to global platforms but lack debit cards or suitable digital payment tools.

Ugochukwu Irechukwu, CEO of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, said the solution could support economic growth and help small and medium-sized enterprises expand. Reliable digital payment systems enable faster transactions, improve cash flow management, and reduce reliance on cash. They can also help businesses reach new customers and lower risks associated with handling cash.

He added that the initiative could drive further innovation, including wider merchant acceptance and stronger national payment infrastructure. Bossman Kwapong, Mastercard’s country manager for Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, and The Gambia, pointed to additional use cases such as QR code payments, click-to-pay solutions, and payment-by-link services.

A fast-growing market

The launch reflects a broader shift among African telecom operators, which are increasingly turning to financial services as traditional revenue streams mature. Mobile financial services are emerging as a key growth driver.

According to a report commissioned by Mastercard and conducted by Genesis Analytics, Africa’s digital payments market could reach $1.5 trillion by 2030. Growth is expected to be driven by expanding connectivity and rising financial inclusion, with internet penetration projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20%, and financial inclusion increasing by about 6% annually.

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) noted in a March 2025 report that digital financial services in Sierra Leone hold strong potential to boost economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction. However, it stressed that addressing regional disparities, gender gaps, and service availability remains critical.

Isaac K. Kassouwi