Mastercard, Kalabash54 Launch Travel Card in Nigeria, Ghana

0
173
innovative travel cards
L-R: Ladi Ojuri, CEO, Kalabash54; Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa, Mastercard; Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO, Wakanow and Akintunde Ajayi, Director, Business Development, Fintech & Enablers, EEMEA, Mastercard at a joint ceremony to announce a payment solution partnership in Lagos, July 11, 2024.

Mastercard and Kalabash54, the fintech subsidiary of West Africa’s leading online travel tech company, Wakanow Group, have collaborated to introduce innovative travel cards for customers in Nigeria and Ghana. This collaboration aims to offer a secure and convenient payment solution designed to meet the unique needs of travelers across the region. 

The Kalabash54 travel card empowers travelers with an all-in-one payment solution. Its benefits include funding trips directly from the Kalabash54 app using the physical or virtual card, available in local currency or USD. Users can manage their card through the app, handling activation, PIN changes, and security controls while enjoying worldwide acceptance. It also enables airport lounge access, exclusive discounts, no hidden fees, free card loading, and a loyalty program. The loyalty program offers cashback, discounts, and more benefits.

This offering allows consumers to leverage their spending through a product that enhances their travel experience significantly. Specifically, Mastercard’s global network supports it, along with Wakanow’s strength with travel suppliers globally.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Kalabash54 and Wakanow to bring these innovative travel cards to Nigeria and Ghana. Mastercard fosters a more inclusive, digital economy, powering every journey with seamless financial services.” Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage the collective strengths of our global network and Wakanow’s industry expertise to transform travel payments in West Africa with secure, convenient, and rewarding options,” said Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa, Mastercard.

The timing of this collaboration is significant given the current landscape of the payments industry in Nigeria and Ghana. Both markets have seen a surge in digital payment adoption, driven by increased internet penetration and growing consumer purchasing power. The Kalabash54 travel card, launched at the ‘Wakanow Unpacked’ expo in June, capitalizes on this trend. It offers a reliable and widely accepted payment method for international travelers.

Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Group, emphasized the impact of the strategic alliance. He stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Mastercard to introduce this unique payment solution to our customers in Nigeria and Ghana. This collaboration underscores our dedication to enhancing the travel experience by offering secure and efficient payment options. Moreover, our customers can now enjoy the convenience of a global payment solution managed through the Kalabash54 app, providing ease and flexibility. The collaboration aims to enhance electronic payment adoption in the travel and tourism sectors.”

Ladi Ojuri, Chief Executive Officer of Kalabash54, said, “We believe this collaboration with Mastercard will set a new standard in the travel and payment industry. Our goal is to empower customers with innovative and reliable financial tools, enhancing their travel experience significantly. This equally provides them confidence to explore the world seamlessly. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging global partnerships to deliver unparalleled value and convenience to our customers.”

This collaboration boosts financial inclusivity by providing secure, easy, and accessible payment solutions. With the travel industry in Ghana and Nigeria on the rise, undoubtedly, the demand for convenient payment methods is high. The Kalabash54 and Mastercard alliance meets this demand, offering tools for seamless international travel.

 

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here