By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a move aimed at expanding digital financial access and strengthening participation in the global digital economy, Orange Money, in partnership with Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and Mastercard, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, officially launched the Orange Money Mastercard. The launch ceremony took place at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown and attracted government officials, Members of Parliament, regulators, financial sector leaders, and stakeholders within the digital payments ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, David Mansaray, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money Sierra Leone, described the introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard as a landmark achievement and the first virtual companion card of its kind in the country.
According to him, the initiative reflects the shared commitment of the partners to deepen financial inclusion and accelerate Sierra Leone’s transition toward a digitally enabled economy.
He explained that the new Mastercard allows customers to make secure online payments, subscribe to international digital services, and manage financial transactions directly from their mobile wallets.
“For many Sierra Leoneans, the challenge has never been ambition but access,” Mansaray stated. “Many people want to shop online or subscribe to global platforms but lack debit cards or access to digital payment tools. This solution removes those barriers and enables customers to transact globally with ease.”
He disclosed that the development of the service took nearly a year of collaboration among multiple partners and technical teams, underscoring the importance of strong teamwork and innovation in bringing the project to fruition.
Mansaray further noted that the service enables customers to shop online, pay bills, and subscribe to international platforms without relying on third parties. He described the initiative as a transformative step toward simplifying access to digital financial tools and empowering citizens to participate confidently in the global digital economy.
Also speaking at the event, Ugochukwu Irechukwu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, described the launch as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital finance journey.
He noted that reliable digital payment systems are essential not only for convenience but also for economic growth and opportunity.
According to him, individuals benefit from safer ways to save, spend, and transfer funds, while businesses—particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—benefit from faster payments, improved cash flow, and reduced reliance on cash transactions.
Irechukwu highlighted that SMEs, which form the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy, will benefit significantly from easier access to electronic payment systems. He said such systems enable businesses to expand their customer base, reduce risks associated with carrying cash, and improve financial efficiency.
He further emphasized that the initiative marks the foundation for future digital payment innovations, including expanded merchant acceptance and stronger payment infrastructure nationwide.
Bossman Kwapong, Country Manager for Mastercard covering Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, and The Gambia, noted that the rollout of the Orange Money Mastercard reflects strong collaboration among partners and demonstrates Sierra Leone’s growing role in regional digital financial innovation.
He explained that the service represents one of the first infrastructures of its kind within Mastercard’s operations across English-speaking West Africa, positioning Sierra Leone as a leader in digital finance development.
Kwapong highlighted the country’s youthful population and increasing mobile penetration as strong drivers for digital financial expansion. He said the new platform opens opportunities for additional payment innovations, including QR payment systems, click-to-pay services, and pay-by-link technologies.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would pave the way for further partnerships and expanded financial connectivity across the region.
Didi Makhubela, Senior Account Executive for Sub-Saharan Africa at Paymentology, emphasized the importance of technology and collaboration in ensuring the success of the initiative.
She explained that Paymentology serves as the processing engine behind the Orange Money Mastercard, ensuring seamless transaction processing and reliable service delivery.
According to her, the partnership between Paymentology and Orange Money dates back to 2018, reflecting long-standing collaboration built on trust and shared innovation goals.
Makhubela noted that the solution was designed specifically to meet the unique payment needs of Sierra Leoneans rather than replicating models from other markets.
She added that digital payment solutions improve everyday life by enabling faster transactions, supporting business operations, and enhancing financial convenience.
Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aïcha Touré, described the launch as a reflection of the company’s commitment to ensuring financial services are accessible to all citizens.
She noted that Orange Money has significantly transformed financial transactions in Sierra Leone, but acknowledged that many customers have historically faced barriers to accessing global digital services.
According to her, the new Mastercard addresses those barriers by enabling customers—especially young people, entrepreneurs, and travelers—to participate more effectively in the global digital economy.
Touré described the virtual companion card as more than a technological innovation, calling it a bridge that connects customers to global markets in a secure and convenient manner.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to financial inclusion and innovation,” she said, adding that the company envisions a future where every Sierra Leonean has the tools required to thrive in the digital economy.
She commended partners including Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, Mastercard, and Paymentology for their collaboration and dedication to delivering the solution.
Director General of the National Communications Authority, Amara Brewah, described the launch as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey.
He stated that the introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard aligns with government priorities, particularly within the technology and infrastructure sectors.
Brewah emphasized that collaboration among institutions is critical to driving digital innovation, noting that no single organization can achieve transformation independently.
He further highlighted that digital payment solutions extend beyond convenience by supporting e-commerce growth, empowering small businesses, and connecting Sierra Leoneans to global markets.
He assured stakeholders that regulators remain committed to promoting digital access, strengthening security standards, and ensuring the reliability of digital financial platforms.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, described the launch as a significant step toward building a modern and inclusive financial ecosystem.
He noted that linking mobile wallets to global payment networks demonstrates the growing maturity of Sierra Leone’s financial system and reflects a broader shift toward integrated digital financial services.
According to the Governor, the Orange Money Mastercard enables users to perform international payments, point-of-sale transactions, ATM withdrawals, and online purchases both locally and internationally.
He explained that such capabilities empower individuals and businesses to participate more actively in the global economy.
Dr. Stevens also highlighted the importance of digital financial solutions in strengthening economic resilience, particularly during periods of global uncertainty.
He stressed that innovation must be accompanied by strong regulatory oversight, emphasizing the need for compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, consumer protection standards, and data security requirements.
He concluded that the launch represents more than a product introduction, describing it as a signal of Sierra Leone’s readiness to embrace digital financial innovation and strengthen its position within the regional financial ecosystem.
The launch of the Orange Money Mastercard represents a significant advancement in Sierra Leone’s financial sector, bringing together financial institutions, technology providers, and regulators to support the country’s digital transformation.