Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone Limited has officially unveiled the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, a landmark innovation expected to significantly broaden digital payment access for customers across Sierra Leone. Powered through a strategic partnership with Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and global payments giant Mastercard, the new product marks a major step forward in the country’s evolving digital finance ecosystem.
The launch introduces a seamless bridge between Orange Money wallets and Mastercard’s international payment network, allowing customers to make secure local and international transactions directly from their mobile wallets. With the virtual card, users can now pay for goods and services at any merchant point worldwide where Mastercard is accepted, while also enjoying easier access to online shopping platforms, subscription services, travel bookings, and other digital services.
This development effectively removes longstanding barriers that limited many Sierra Leoneans from participating fully in the global digital economy, especially those without access to traditional banking cards.
Speaking at the launch, Orange Money Chief Executive Officer David S. Mansaray described the initiative as a transformative leap in the company’s financial inclusion agenda.
“The introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard marks a significant step forward in our vision to provide inclusive, accessible, and innovative financial solutions. This product empowers our customers to participate confidently in the global digital economy while enjoying the simplicity and security of Orange Money,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, Ugochukwu Irechukwu, underscored the strategic value of the partnership, noting that it strengthens the intersection between conventional banking and mobile money services.
According to him, the collaboration is designed to deliver safe, fast, and convenient online and international payments, while enhancing customer experience and accelerating the growth of Sierra Leone’s digital economy.
Mastercard Country Head for Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Bossman Akuffo Kwapong, described the product as a game changer for digital payments in the region, emphasizing its potential to expand access to global commerce for millions of users.
A major attraction of the Orange Money Mastercard is its direct wallet integration, which gives customers real-time access to available funds and supports smooth, instant transactions. Key features include strong security protocols, global acceptance, secure online payments, and convenient access to e-commerce, travel, entertainment, and subscription platforms.
The innovation is expected to particularly benefit young people, freelancers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs, many of whom previously faced difficulties making international digital payments.
Customers can conveniently obtain and manage the virtual card through the Orange Money Maxit App, making the onboarding process simple and user-friendly.
The launch further reinforces Orange Money’s position as a leader in mobile financial services in Sierra Leone, where it continues to drive financial inclusion through money transfers, bill payments, merchant services, and now expanded global payment access.
With Mastercard operating in over 200 countries and territories, and Zenith Bank Sierra Leone providing technology-driven banking support, the new virtual card is widely seen as a major boost to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey.
