ZANACO–Zamtel Money Point of Sale (POS) Payment Partnership and its launch mark a significant milestone in Zambia’s journey towards a digitally enabled and financially inclusive economy.
By integrating Zamtel Money mobile wallet services with ZANACO’s extensive POS network, the partnership expands access to secure, convenient, and seamless digital payment solutions for businesses and consumers across the country.
This strategic collaboration reflects the shared commitment of ZANACO and Zamtel Money to advancing financial inclusion, supporting entrepreneurship, and accelerating the adoption of cashless transactions. It aligns with the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s digital transformation agenda, which seeks to leverage technology and innovation to enhance economic participation, improve service delivery, and empower citizens through accessible financial services.
The launch brought together key stakeholders from government, the financial sector, and the telecommunications industry to celebrate a partnership that will contribute to a more connected, efficient, and inclusive digital economy.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technology and Science Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu underscored the significance of the ZANACO–Zamtel Money POS Payment Partnership as a practical demonstration of how strategic collaboration between government and the private sector can accelerate Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the initiative goes beyond introducing an additional payment option and represents a deliberate effort to expanding financial inclusion, promote innovation, and create greater participation in the formal economy. The partnership aligns with Government’s vision of leveraging technology as a catalyst for economic growth, social development, and improved service delivery.
This highlights the progress Zambia has made in digital financial services, including the rapid growth in mobile money transactions, increased smartphone penetration, expanded POS infrastructure, and improved financial inclusion levels. These developments demonstrate the country’s readiness to embrace digital payment solutions and support innovative financial ecosystems.
Dr Habeenzu further noted that the integration of Zamtel Money into the ZANACO POS network will deliver tangible benefits to citizens, entrepreneurs, and businesses by enabling secure, convenient, and efficient cashless transactions. Particular emphasis has been placed on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reducing reliance on cash, and enhancing access to financial services, especially in underserved communities.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling policy environment that supports innovation, digital adoption, and strategic partnerships capable of driving inclusive and sustainable national development.
The Permanent Secretary congratulated ZANACO and Zamtel Money on this important milestone and encouraged other institutions to pursue collaborative initiatives that strengthen Zambia’s digital economy and improve the lives of citizens.
Chief Executive Officer, Zanaco PLC Mrs. Chibesakunda, described the launch as a significant milestone in Zambia’s financial services landscape and a major step towards building a more accessible, secure, and inclusive payments ecosystem. She explained that the integration of Zamtel Money payments onto ZANACO POS terminals is more than a technological enhancement; it is a customer-focused innovation designed to simplify transactions, improve convenience, and expand digital payment options for individuals and businesses across Zambia.
The CEO highlighted the rapid growth of digital financial services and increasing levels of financial inclusion in Zambia, noting that mobile money has become one of the most important drivers of access to financial services. She emphasized that customers increasingly expect financial solutions that are immediate, accessible, and integrated into their daily lives.
Mrs. Chibesakunda outlined the benefits of the partnership for merchants, including broader payment acceptance, reduced cash-handling risks, improved operational efficiency, and increased sales opportunities. Customers, on the other hand, have benefited from secure, seamless, and real-time transactions that provide greater convenience and flexibility.
This milestone places broader focus on the economic impact of digital payments, including enhanced transparency, improved accountability, and increased efficiency within the financial system. She reaffirmed that the partnership supports national efforts to deepen financial inclusion and modernize Zambia’s payment infrastructure.
In line with ZANACO’s “You First” commitment, the CEO reiterated the Bank’s dedication to delivering innovative solutions that place customers at the centre of financial services while empowering businesses, particularly SMEs, to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Board Chairperson Zamtel Money Mr. Mwanza emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing Zambia’s transition towards a digitally enabled and cashless economy. He acknowledged the Government of the Republic of Zambia, represented by the Ministry of Technology and Science, for its continued support of initiatives that promote digital transformation and financial inclusion.
The Board Chairperson noted that the integration of Zamtel Money into ZANACO’s POS network significantly expands payment options available to customers while creating a larger and more interconnected financial ecosystem. He highlighted that the partnership enables Zamtel Money’s growing subscriber base to access a wider range of payment services through an established merchant network.
Mr. Mwanza stressed that the initiative represents a practical response to changing consumer preferences and growing demand for convenient, secure, and cashless payment solutions. By providing customers with more choices at the point of sale, the partnership contributes to the broader national objective of increasing digital transactions and reducing dependence on cash. He commended both ZANACO and Zamtel Money management teams for their vision and commitment in delivering the initiative and expressed confidence that the partnership will create long-term value for customers, merchants, and the national economy.
Managing Director Zamtel Money Ms. Chisala Nyondo described the launch as a landmark achievement for Zamtel Money and a significant step towards building a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered financial ecosystem in Zambia. She emphasized that the partnership between Zamtel Money and ZANACO demonstrates the power of collaboration between two proudly Zambian institutions committed to innovation, accessibility, and customer-centric service delivery.
The Managing Director explained that the integration enables customers to make secure, seamless, and instant payments directly from their Zamtel Money wallets at any participating ZANACO POS terminal. This advancement enhances convenience, reduces dependence on cash, and improves the overall customer experience.
Ms. Nyondo highlighted the critical role mobile money continues to play in supporting households, entrepreneurs, and businesses by providing accessible and reliable financial services. She stressed that every innovation introduced by Zamtel Money is designed to solve real challenges and improve the lives of ordinary Zambians.
The remarks focused on the benefits for merchants, including faster transaction processing, reduced cash-handling risks, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction. She noted that the initiative supports broader financial inclusion objectives by ensuring that access to financial services is not limited by geography, income level, or other barriers.
Ms. Nyondo expressed appreciation to the Government through the Ministry of Technology and Science for fostering an enabling environment for innovation and digital transformation. She also thanked the ZANACO leadership, the Zamtel Money Board, employees, and technical teams whose dedication made the integration possible.
