Western Union, Zoona Transactions Zambia Limited, and Chipper Cash today jointly announced the launch of international money transfer services through the Chipper Cash app.
This new, co-branded service empowers customers in Zambia to send and receive money across borders with greater ease, flexibility, and security, meeting the growing demand for digital-first financial solutions.
Zoona, a pioneering fintech and enterprise payments platform in Zambia, was acquired by Chipper Cash in 2022. Together, the two brands now serve more than five million customers across Africa, connecting people to fast, reliable, and affordable payment services. This latest announcement combines Western Union’s global network and 175 years of expertise in international money movement with Chipper Cash’s and Zoona’s deep knowledge of the Zambian payments landscape and their innovative mobile technology platform.
Through this integration, Chipper Cash app users in Zambia can now access Western Union’s expansive global reach across more than 200 countries and territories. Customers have the option to send funds directly to mobile wallets worldwide, or for cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of Western Union retail locations abroad. Bank account payouts will also be made available in the near future, providing even greater flexibility for customers and their recipients.
Commenting on the launch, Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Western Union’s Regional Vice President for Africa, said:
“Zambia’s digitally savvy population of over 20 million is driving a remarkable shift toward mobile-first financial solutions. Integrating our international money transfer services in the Chipper Cash app means customers can transfer funds across our global network – reliably and with ease. I am delighted that, together, we are expanding the possibilities for Zambians to connect, transact, and thrive in the global economy.”
The Chipper Cash app is available for download on both Android and iOS smartphones. Customers can initiate a Western Union transfer using the funds stored in their Chipper Cash wallet, which can be conveniently topped up through multiple digital and physical payment touchpoints. These include retailers, mobile network operators, banks, and ATMs, ensuring that users have widespread access to loading their accounts and sending funds whenever they need to.
Brett Magrath, CEO at Zoona and Chief Product Officer at Chipper Cash, highlighted how the launch reflects Zambia’s financial journey:
“At Zoona, we’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of Zambia’s financial landscape—from the early days of cash-based transactions and agent networks to today’s thriving ecosystem of mobile and digital payments. This partnership marks the next chapter in that journey. With smartphone adoption on the rise, there’s an increasing appetite for digital financial services that move beyond USSD to deliver richer, app-based experiences. This partnership extends the reach of Zambia’s vibrant fintech ecosystem—connecting more users to global financial services through a seamless digital experience.”
The collaboration builds on Western Union’s long-established physical presence in Zambia, which has been serving the needs of customers for decades. With this move, Western Union, Zoona, and Chipper Cash reinforce their shared mission to expand financial inclusion and accessibility. Together, they aim to make financial services available to every consumer in Zambia, regardless of banking status, by providing flexible, innovative, and customer-focused solutions.
As global migration, remittances, and cross-border trade continue to grow, this partnership equips Zambians with the tools they need to support loved ones, engage in international business, and participate more fully in the global economy. It also underscores the role of collaboration between global financial giants and local innovators in delivering services that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply attuned to local needs and realities.
With this launch, Western Union, Zoona, and Chipper Cash reaffirm their commitment to creating financial connections that empower people, strengthen communities, and unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity across Zambia and beyond.
