Chipper Cash, a payments platform that allows users to send and receive money, has announced a partnership with Western Union and Zoona Transactions Zambia Limited to introduce international money transfer services through the Chipper Cash app in Zambia.
This service will enable Zambian customers to send and receive money globally, tailored to their convenience and needs.
Zoona, a leading Zambian fintech and payments platform acquired by Chipper Cash in 2022, joins forces with Chipper Cash to serve 5 million customers across Africa. The partnership leverages Western Union’s 175 years of global money transfer expertise and network spanning over 200 countries, combined with Chipper Cash and Zoona’s local payments knowledge and innovative mobile technology.
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Chipper Cash app users in Zambia can now send funds to mobile wallets worldwide, access cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of global locations, with bank account payouts launching soon.
Also, the service caters to Zambia’s diverse financial needs. Users can send money to support family abroad or receive funds from loved ones, regardless of banking status. This aligns with the shared mission of Western Union, Zoona, and Chipper Cash to make financial services accessible to all. In Zambia, where many lack traditional bank accounts, mobile apps like Chipper Cash bridge the gap.
Speaking on the partnership, Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Western Union’s?Regional Vice President of Africa said,
“Zambia’s digitally savvy population of over 20 million is driving a remarkable shift toward mobile-first financial solutions. Integrating our international money transfer services in the Chipper Cash app means customers can transfer funds across our global network – reliably and with ease. I am delighted that, together, we are expanding the possibilities for Zambians to connect, transact and thrive in the global economy.”
Customers can fund Western Union transactions using their Chipper Cash wallet, which can be topped up via retailers, mobile network operators, banks, and ATMs.
Also commenting, Brett Magrath, CEO at Zoona and CPO at Chipper Cash.
“At both Zoona and Chipper Cash, we’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of Zambia’s financial landscape, from the early days of cash-based transactions and agent networks to a thriving ecosystem of mobile and digital payments. This partnership marks the next chapter in that journey. With smartphone adoption on the rise, there’s an increasing appetite for digital financial services that move beyond USSD to deliver richer, app-based experiences. This partnership extends the reach of Zambia’s vibrant fintech ecosystem, connecting more users to global financial services through a seamless digital experience.”
The launch of this service, comes at a crucial time for the Zambia economy. In recent times, Remittances have played a vital role in Zambia’s economy, supporting household consumption, education, healthcare, and investments. These are funds sent by Zambian migrants, primarily to family and friends, often from countries with significant Zambian diaspora populations. In 2021, remittances were estimated to contribute significantly to Zambia’s GDP, with personal remittances received accounting for a notable share of foreign exchange inflows.
This recent collaboration enhances Western Union’s physical presence in Zambia while advancing the shared mission of Western Union, Zoona, and Chipper Cash to provide accessible financial services to all Zambians, regardless of banking status.