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Zambian fintech and neobank, Lupiya, has announced a strategic partnership with Network International, a leading provider of digital commerce solutions across Africa and the Middle East. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Lupiya’s mission to drive financial inclusion and innovation in Zambia by launching a new e-commerce enabled debit card. 

The card will incorporate advanced digital payment features, including 3D Secure and tokenization, empowering individuals and businesses to participate more effectively in the digital economy.Zambia has made notable strides in improving financial inclusion in recent years. According to data, access to financial services increased from 59.3% in 2015 to 69.4% in 2020. Despite this progress, one-third of the population remains financially excluded, particularly women, who face significant challenges in accessing financial services from regulated institutions. The Zambian government has set an ambitious goal of increasing financial inclusion to 85% by 2028.

Lupiya has been at the forefront of efforts to address financial exclusion in Zambia, offering microloans through its online platform to underserved communities. The fintech leverages alternative data and machine learning to assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses often overlooked by traditional banks. Lupiya’s impact has been particularly felt in the agricultural sector, where it has empowered women, who make up nearly 80% of Zambia’s farming population, with access to financial services.

The partnership with Network International will enable Lupiya to expand its offerings beyond lending. By integrating Network International’s advanced digital payments technology, Lupiya can now offer a comprehensive suite of digital financial solutions, including the new e-commerce enabled debit card. This card will facilitate secure, seamless transactions for its growing customer base, fostering broader participation in the digital economy.

The launch of the e-commerce enabled debit card is a significant step forward in Lupiya’s digital innovation strategy. The card will be equipped with 3D Secure technology, ensuring enhanced security for online transactions, and tokenization, which replaces sensitive card information with a unique token for safer processing. These features will allow users to transact with greater confidence and security in both digital and physical environments.

Dr. Reda Helal, Managing Director and Co-Head of Processing for Africa at Network International, highlighted the importance of the partnership. “Lupiya’s decision to choose Network International as their digital payments partner underscores our ability to support financial service providers across diverse consumer segments. This partnership is a key milestone for us in Zambia and provides growth opportunities for Lupiya in the rapidly evolving digital payments sector,” said Dr. Helal.

For Lupiya, the partnership with Network International represents more than just the introduction of a debit card. It is a vital component of its broader mission to foster financial inclusion and economic empowerment across Africa. Lupiya CEO Muchu Kaingu emphasized the importance of the collaboration in supporting the company’s vision for financial transformation.

Muchu Kaingu, CEO of Lupiya Pay, highlighted the impact of the partnership on financial inclusion, saying, “At Lupiya, we are dedicated to revolutionizing financial inclusion in Africa. Our collaboration with Network International allows us to offer secure, accessible, and innovative digital financial solutions. With the launch of our e-commerce enabled debit card featuring 3D Secure and tokenization, we are empowering more individuals and businesses to participate in the digital economy.”

As Zambia continues to embrace digital innovation, the partnership between Lupiya and Network International is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s financial landscape. By providing secure, efficient digital payment solutions, Lupiya is helping to bridge the financial inclusion gap, particularly for women and underserved communities, while also contributing to Zambia’s broader economic development goals.