Airtel Money
and the National Savings Bank (NATSAVE) have unveiled the Fikiliza Overdraft
Service, a groundbreaking feature that allows Airtel Money customers in Zambia
to complete transactions even when they have insufficient funds in their mobile
wallets.
At the launch
event, Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Hon. Chipoka
Mulenga, expressed the government's support for initiatives that improve lives
across communities and noted that partnerships like these are pivotal in
advancing financial inclusion, which aligns with Zambia’s national development
goals.
Airtel Networks
Zambia Managing Director, Mr. Hussam Baday, highlighted the value of
collaborative efforts, noting that partnerships not only boost brand visibility
but also elevate the quality of products and services by leveraging each
partner’s strengths and expertise. “Such alliances,” he stated, “allow us to
bring more to the table for our customers.”
Ms. Cynthia
Mwila, NATSAVE’s Director of Retail Banking, represented the bank on behalf of
Acting CEO Ms. Fatma Abad. She conveyed NATSAVE’s enthusiasm for the
partnership, underscoring that it aligns closely with the bank's mission to
foster financial inclusion while providing accessible, dependable, and
customer-centered banking services.
Airtel Money
Country Director, Mr. Andrew Chuma, explained that Fikiliza marks a milestone
as Zambia’s first mass-market consumer overdraft service, reaching millions of
Airtel Money customers. This new feature empowers users to complete essential
transactions even when their mobile wallets run low, offering a convenient
safety net for unforeseen expenses.
CEO of YABX,
Mr. Rajat Dayal, expressed his company’s pride in providing the technology
enabling this partnership.
By: Richard Annor
