By Mark Kawalya
Chipper Cash launched its card product in the Ugandan market, following the firm’s global announcement that was made at the Money 20/20 event that was held in Las Vegas in October. The firm offers a cross-border payment service via their app, which currently has more than five million users in Africa and the diaspora. During the launch, the firm also announced the winner of its Africa to the World ‘Spend to Win’ campaign.
Ellen Magezi, an aeronautic engineer working in Nakasongola, emerged the winner of the competition after being chosen from a pool of early Chipper Cash adopters.
Commenting on the win, Ellen said: “Traveling and sports are my passions, and I have been hoping for the day I’d have a chance to watch the World Cup from the stadiums. When the Chipper Card launched in Uganda, I was one of the first users because I love shopping for things online. It was easy to shop with a card and not need a bank account. I am excited to travel to Qatar to experience the World Cup live, all courtesy of Chipper Cash.” The card enables Chipper Cash users in Uganda to access a free virtual Visa card, that is independent of a bank account. Directly funded using the Chipper digital wallet, people can load cash using their mobile money accounts and make payments for all international transactions that take card payments.
“For us, bringing the Chipper Card to Uganda is all about enablement,” said Dan Tumuramye, Chipper Cash Country Director, Uganda. “Not everyone can easily access traditional card products. However, now anyone with a smartphone and mobile money account can download the Chipper app, and access an internationally accepted card for free.”
Difficulties in accessing mainstream financial services have been an accelerator for the rapid uptake of mobile money services in Africa. More than 40% of the Ugandan population remains unbanked. More than 30 million mobile money accounts were registered in Uganda last year, and although the service is a critical alternative to banking, it has its limitations. Mobile money users often lack a means of transacting online. After a successful Chipper card launch in Nigeria, Chipper is now using it digital wallet and card capabilities to empower Ugandan users, linking them to the global economy.
During the award ceremony/launch, that was held at the Innovation Village in Kampala, Chipper Cash Growth Marketing Manager for Uganda, Moses Mugerwa, said “As a brand deeply embedded in Africa, we are rooting for the success of African football teams in this year’s World Cup competition. We are delighted that our Africa to the World campaign makes dreams come true for lucky fans such as Ellen, and brings the continent together to cheer on our qualifying teams and show the world the true spirit of the African supporters!”
