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Orange Money Mastercard Launched, Expanding Global Digital Payment Possibilities in Sierra Leone


Orange Mobile Finance SL. Ltd has officially launched the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, powered by Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital financial services landscape.

The virtual card connects Orange Money wallets to the global Mastercard network, enabling customers to make secure local and international payments with ease and flexibility.

The Orange Money Mastercard allows customers to go beyond traditional transfers by enabling payments for goods and services at Mastercard-accepting merchant points worldwide. It also provides access to online shopping, subscriptions, and other digital services, opening doors to the global digital economy.

Orange Money CEO, DAVID S. MANSARAY, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive financial innovation:

“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 said.

The CEO/Managing Director of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, UGOCHUKWU IRECHUKWU, highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing digital finance:

“We are proud to partner with Orange Money to launch the Orange Money Virtual Mastercard. This collaboration bridges banking and mobile money, enabling safe and convenient online and international payments while improving customer experience and supporting the growth of the digital economy,” he stated.

The product reflects a strategic collaboration with Mastercard to deliver world-class financial solutions tailored to local and international needs.

Mastercard’s Country Head for Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, BOSSMAN AKUFFO KWAPONG, noted:

“We are delighted to collaborate with Orange Mobile Finance in Sierra Leone to drive digital transformation and enable seamless access to payments. Mastercard remains committed to empowering partners and customers through secure and innovative solutions.”

A Game Changer for Digital Payments

The Orange Money Mastercard is linked directly to customers’ wallets, providing real-time access to funds and enabling seamless transactions.

Key features of the Mastercard include secure online payments, global acceptance, enhanced security standards, and convenient access to e-commerce, travel, and subscription platforms.

Driving Financial Inclusion

The card is expected to benefit young people, small business owners, freelancers, and indi-viduals who previously faced limitations accessing international payment platforms. Customers can obtain and manage the virtual card through the Orange Money Maxit App, ensuring a simple and user-friendly experience.

About Orange Money
Orange Mobile Finance SL. Ltd provides secure and reliable mobile financial services, including money transfers, bill payments, and merchant services, serving millions of customers nationwide and promoting financial inclusion.

About Mastercard
Mastercard operates in over 200 countries and territories, enabling secure, simple, and accessible digital payments while empowering individuals, businesses, and economies worldwide.

About Zenith Bank Sierra Leone
Zenith Bank Sierra Leone delivers technology-driven banking services, supporting financial inclusion, SMEs, and digital transactions while bridging traditional banking with modern financial solutions.



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Afrimoney and Ecobank Launch Sierra Leone’s First Mobile Money POS Payment System


Afrimoney and Ecobank Sierra Leone have launched a strategic partnership that enables customers to make payments directly from their Afrimoney mobile wallets on Ecobank Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.

The historic initiative was officially unveiled at Ecobank’s Head Office in Freetown.

This innovation marks the first time in Sierra Leone that mobile money users can make direct payments on POS devices an advancement expected to greatly enhance digital financial accessibility for both consumers and merchants nationwide.



Kate Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank Sierra Leone, described the partnership as a “significant milestone” in connecting banking and mobile money ecosystems.

She explained that while only about 29% of Sierra Leoneans have bank accounts, around 30% use mobile money wallets two customer bases that are now linked through this collaboration. “Before this innovation, only cardholders could use POS machines. Now, Afrimoney wallet holders can make payments instantly and securely on Ecobank POS devices, without needing a bank account,” Thompson stated. She added that the initiative simplifies everyday transactions from school fees to market purchases empowering merchants and customers alike.

Calling the development “financial inclusion in its purest form,” Thompson noted that the new service will help bridge the gap between the formal banking sector and mobile money users, making digital transactions more convenient and accessible.

Afrimoney CEO, Martison Obeng-Agyei, praised the collaboration as a “forward-looking example of technology serving the public,” highlighting that it is the first of its kind in Sierra Leone’s financial landscape. He revealed that the next phase of the partnership will extend the service to Ecobank ATMs, allowing customers to withdraw cash directly from their Afrimoney wallets.

“This initiative simplifies payments, ensures instant settlements, and enhances business efficiency,” Obeng-Agyei said. “Once a payment is made on an Ecobank POS, the funds are instantly available in the merchant’s bank account eliminating the hassle of cashing out or re-depositing money.” He added that the system was developed with long-term reliability and quality in mind, signaling more innovations ahead in 2026.

Ecobank Sierra Leone Managing Director, Sebastian Ashong Katai, described the partnership as a deliberate strategy rooted in collaboration rather than competition. He said Afrimoney’s robust technology and extensive subscriber base made it an ideal partner for achieving shared financial inclusion goals. “Convenience and accessibility are the true measures of banking success,” Katai noted. “Money alone doesn’t create access unless people have the freedom to use it. By enabling mobile wallet payments on POS devices, we’re expanding that freedom and empowering Sierra Leoneans to transact anywhere.”

He further linked the initiative to the Bank of Sierra Leone’s National Payment Switch, emphasizing that progress in the financial sector depends on collaboration and interoperability among players.

The Afrimoney Ecobank partnership stands as a major step toward bridging traditional banking and mobile money ecosystems. It offers Sierra Leoneans a secure, convenient, and inclusive way to conduct transactions supporting the Central Bank’s vision of a digitally connected and financially empowered nation.

With this launch, customers can now use their Afrimoney wallets across Ecobank’s nationwide POS network ushering in a new era of digital convenience and financial empowerment for businesses and consumers across Sierra Leone.



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RCBank Launches Campaign to Promote Digital Payment Systems


Rokel Commercial Bank, alias RCBank has initiated a campaign to promote its digital payment products and support the National Payment Switch launched by the Bank of Sierra Leone.

The campaign features comedian and brand ambassador Kindo Armani, who is engaging the Western Area community to raise awareness about the bank’s offerings.

The campaign encourages customers to sign up for the National Switch and utilize RCBank’s instant digital payment solutions, including Rokel Sim Korpor, Rokel ekorpor, Rokel prepaid cards, and Visa debit cards. This initiative is part of RCBank’s strategy to establish itself as a leading financial services provider in Sierra Leone and the surrounding region.



Kindo Armani, along with RCBank’s VISA activation team, has been educating the public about the benefits of these digital products. “With RCBank pre-paid card, you don’t need to have a bank account.

The card can be used anywhere in the world where cards are accepted. We are making payments seamless in Sierra Leone,” he stated. He highlighted that customers can shop online, pay bills, and make hotel and airline bookings using a VISA card.

To obtain a VISA card, customers need to present a valid ID and make an initial deposit of NLE 200, without requiring a bank account. Cardholders can access cash through any Automated Teller Machine (ATM) worldwide.

RCBank’s digital cards are part of its commitment to providing modern and efficient banking services while promoting financial inclusion for individuals previously excluded from the banking system.

The cards are a key feature of RCBank’s E-banking package, known as “E-baskit,” which allows customers to conduct various banking activities online and via mobile, reducing the need for physical branch visits.

Through this campaign, RCBank aims to enhance financial inclusion and support the National Payment Switch, contributing to the transformation of the banking landscape in Sierra Leone.



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Sierra Leone’s Instant Payment Service Goes Live


Sierra Leone has officially launched its National Payment Switch, a groundbreaking initiative poised to revolutionize the country’s financial landscape and boost regional economic integration.

The launch ceremony, held at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel on Thursday, February 13, 2025, featured a keynote address by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

The National Payment Switch enables instant payments between banks and mobile money operators, eliminating the need for traditional methods like checks.

Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL), announced at a press briefing earlier in the week that seven banks and two mobile network operators are already connected to the service. He emphasized the system’s potential to streamline transactions and improve efficiency, noting that similar systems are in use in countries like Nigeria.

“This system allows for direct payments from one bank to another or between mobile networks, eliminating the need for cheques and waiting periods,” Dr. Steven explained. He emphasized that the IPS would enhance transaction efficiency, financial security, and transparency, while also supporting digital commerce and innovation.

The National Payment Switch is being rolled out in phases. Phase 1, completed in May 2023, introduced ATM and point-of-sale (POS) interoperability. Phase 2, launched this week, focuses on real-time, interoperable transactions. Phase 3, expected to integrate the system with international payment gateways, will further position Sierra Leone as a key player in global digital finance.

Dr. Steven announced that the Bank of Sierra Leone has set April 1, 2025, as the deadline for full integration of all banks and mobile money operators into the system. He urged financial institutions to embrace the platform, assuring them of the central bank’s commitment to addressing any challenges during the integration process.

VP Jalloh highlighted the transformative potential of the switch, stating it will be crucial for driving economic reform and positioning Sierra Leone as a regional hub for digital financial services. He emphasized its importance for e-government services, including tax and fee payments, and its potential to enhance transparency and accountability in public finance management.

The initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional financial integration, complementing the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). VP Jalloh expressed optimism that the switch will reduce transaction costs, promote digital trade, and strengthen economic ties across Africa. He urged all financial institutions, businesses, and government agencies to fully integrate the Instant Payment Services into their operations.

Finance Minister Sheku A. F. Bangura stressed the importance of stable economic policies and robust financial infrastructure for regional integration. He called for inclusive policies that drive sustainable growth and pointed to the European Union’s journey to the Eurozone as an example of long-term vision.

World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge commended Sierra Leone for this milestone, drawing parallels with successful implementations in other countries. He emphasized the importance of adoption and urged mobile money providers to maximize transaction volumes through the system. He also highlighted the next phase of financial inclusion, which will focus on providing credit lines for youth and women entrepreneurs.



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Salone Payment Switch Launches For Instant Payment Service Across Sierra Leone


The Bank of Sierra Leone has officially launched Salone Payment Switch, its Instant Payment Service, a groundbreaking initiative that will enable real-time money transfers between banks and mobile money platforms.

The launch was announced by the Bank Governor of the Sierra Leone Central Bank, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, during a press conference at the Ministry of Information and Civic Engagement. The official launch, scheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2024, will be conducted by Vice President Juldeh Jalloh.

Dr. Stevens explained that the Instant Payment Service will allow for immediate payments between banks and mobile operators, streamlining financial transactions for all Sierra Leoneans. He encouraged the public to register for the service to take full advantage of its benefits.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, hailed the Instant Payment Service as a “huge and massive development” for Sierra Leone. He emphasized the service’s ability to provide immediate transaction notifications and instant access to funds, eliminating the previous delays associated with traditional banking cash-out services.

A representative from the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks, Velma Labor, highlighted the benefits for merchants, stating that the service will enable 24/7 business transactions without the limitations of bank operating hours or holidays. This is particularly beneficial for small-scale businesses, she noted.

David Mansaray, CEO of Orange Money, underscored the significance of the achievement, noting that few countries, especially those with similar economic profiles to Sierra Leone, have successfully implemented such a system. He emphasized the advanced nature of the service and its potential to transform financial transactions in the country.

Martinson Obeng-Agyei, CEO of Afrimoney, addressed the challenges faced by small-scale businesses in Sierra Leone, citing the cost of transaction fees and the often-intimidating process of depositing small amounts of cash in banks. He believes the Instant Payment Service will alleviate these burdens by providing a more efficient and accessible way to manage finances. He urged Sierra Leoneans to embrace the new system and recognize its potential to build a more robust financial ecosystem.



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RCBank Nominated to Promote Usage And Adoption of New Innovative Pan African Payment Systems


A Rokel Commercial Bank delegation including the Board of Directors Chairman, Buffy Bailor, Managing Director Dr Walton Gilpin and top IT staff are in Cape Town, South Africa to attend a high-level meeting on the adoption and use of the innovative Pan African Payment System (PAPPS) by banks around the continent.

Pioneered by the Afreximbank, the PAPPS will create a flawless and highly effective international payment system that will invariably support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) established in 2018 and signed by 43 African countries including Sierra Leone.

The new cross-border payment also seeks to operationalize a 2019 resolution by African heads of state that the PAPPS should become the main infrastructure for payments and settlements within the African financial markets.



Therefore, working with local banks like the RCbank to popularize and promote the adoption and utilization of the payment system tool has been deemed to be a critical component of its growth and success. A high point of the event was when heads from some of the partnering banks, including the Rokel Commercial Bank shared their experiences on the use of the PAPPS.

At the end of a highly interactive event, RCBank was among the financial institutions nominated as member of the Working Group of the PAPPS network/club to promote the adoption and usage of the payment platform.





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