Orange Money Group and Visa have announced a significant strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing financial services and expanding online payment solutions across Africa and the Middle East. This collaboration is set to increase access to digital commerce for millions of users by leveraging the combined strengths of both entities.

The partnership builds upon existing successful ventures, with Orange Money and Visa renewing their collaboration in markets where it is already active, including Botswana, Madagascar, and Jordan. More recently, the alliance saw a notable expansion into Côte d’Ivoire, where they jointly launched a virtual Visa card. This innovative solution is readily accessible to users through the Max it app, providing immediate financial utility.

The newly introduced Orange Money Visa virtual card offers immense convenience and security. Users can instantly create a virtual card and fund it directly from their Orange Money account. This functionality enables secure online payments on a vast array of both local and international websites, thereby bridging geographical barriers for digital transactions. Looking ahead, plans are in motion to roll out physical cards at authorized Orange Money points of sale, further broadening accessibility.

The strategic expansion of this partnership is designed to be gradual, extending its reach into additional key African markets. Future beneficiaries of these enhanced financial services will include countries such as Guinea, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring a commitment to widespread financial inclusion across the continent.

Thierry Millet, CEO of Orange Money Group, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “Thanks to Orange Money, our 45 million customers can make everyday payments at millions of physical retail locations and with online merchants in their country. Whether they are individuals or entrepreneurs, they can now create their virtual Visa card in just a few seconds and make international online payments across the Visa network.”

Ismahill Diaby, Vice-President and General Manager for Western and Central Francophone and Lusophone Africa at Visa, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the synergy of the partnership. Diaby remarked, “By combining Visa’s trusted technology with Orange Money’s local reach, this partnership offers a simple, secure way for more people and small businesses to pay online, helping them participate confidently in everyday commerce.” This joint effort aims to empower individuals and small businesses, fostering greater economic participation through secure and accessible digital payment platforms.