Airtel reintroduces Airtel Money Global Pay to boost digital transactions
DAR ES SALAAM : Airtel Money Tanzania has officially reintroduced its virtual payment card, Airtel Money Global Pay, a secure and seamless digital payment solution tailored for today’s borderless digital lifestyle.
The virtual card, powered by Mastercard and Network International, is now exclusively available through the MyAirtel App and enables customers to make secure, real-time international payments for shopping, studying, entertainment or travel directly from their mobile phones without the need for a bank account.
Speaking during the launch held in Dar es Salaam, Airtel Money Board Chairman, Mr Adolf Kasegenya, said the initiative supports the Government’s borderless agenda aimed at modernising the national payment infrastructure, reducing dependency on cash, and expanding access to the global digital economy.
“The integration of Mastercard’s global payment network into the Airtel Money ecosystem is a major leap in strengthening Tanzania’s digital financial infrastructure,” Mr Kasegenya said.
“This innovation aligns with the Bank of Tanzania’s strategic objectives—namely financial inclusion, modernisation of the payment system, and enabling cross-border interoperability. Airtel Money Global Pay provides secure, regulated access to the global economy for both banked and unbanked populations.”
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On his part, Airtel Money Director, Mr Andrew Rugamba, highlighted that the reintroduction of Airtel Money Global Pay opens new possibilities for Tanzanians, particularly those without access to traditional banking services.
“We have made it simpler than ever for our customers to make international payments—no bank account needed,” said Rugamba. “Just download the MyAirtel App, activate Global Pay, top up, and begin shopping, streaming, or subscribing globally with confidence.”
He described the virtual card as more than just a payment tool, terming it a “passport to global commerce and entertainment” from the comfort of one’s phone.
Rugamba further thanked regulators for their support in enabling the digital payment transformation and acknowledged Network International for powering the technology that allows the Airtel Money Global Pay card to function smoothly.
Formerly known as Airtel Mastercard, the newly rebranded Airtel Money Global Pay features several upgrades aimed at enhancing user experience and security.
These include Instant card activation,Real-time top-ups in Tanzanian shillings (TZS),Live foreign exchange rates,Customisable card design,Transaction monitoring and cancellation,Global merchant acceptance.
The product seeks to address longstanding barriers faced by Tanzanians when making international payments, such as limited access to globally accepted cards, high gateway fees, foreign exchange challenges, fraud risks, and limited acceptance of local mobile money platforms by international merchants.
By embedding a Mastercard-powered virtual card directly within the MyAirtel App, Airtel Money Global Pay eliminates these challenges and allows users to manage all transactions on their mobile devices, with no need to visit a bank or obtain a physical card.
Ms Kirsten Wortmann, Vice President of Telco at Mastercard for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA), lauded the move as a strategic milestone to deepen financial inclusion and expand secure digital payments in emerging markets like Tanzania.
“Through our partnership with Airtel Money, we are empowering Tanzanians—whether students, freelancers or travellers—to thrive in the global digital economy,” she said.
