Airtel Zambia promotes digital village banking
Date: 2026-04-09
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Airtel
Zambia PLC has announced growing adoption of its digital Village Banking
solution, positioning it as a key driver of financial inclusion and community
empowerment across the country.
The
development was highlighted during a press briefing held at Kabwata Cultural
Village on April 8, where the company showcased how its Airtel Money platform
is being used to digitise traditional savings and lending groups.
According
to Airtel Zambia, the Village Banking solution builds on existing
community-based financial systems by enhancing transparency, security, and
efficiency without altering their core structure. The platform enables groups,
cooperatives, and community members to manage funds digitally, providing full
visibility of transactions while reducing reliance on cash handling.
Andrew
Chuma said the initiative aligns with the company’s broader financial inclusion
strategy, emphasizing that the goal is to strengthen, rather than replace,
traditional savings practices and improve financial resilience at the community
level.
The
company noted that the digital solution has led to improved trust and
accountability within groups, reduced risks associated with cash transactions
and manual record-keeping, and increased financial visibility for members.
Airtel Zambia also indicated plans to introduce additional features, including
group life cover, aimed at further strengthening the resilience of
participating communities.
The
initiative underscores the role of digital financial services in expanding
access to secure and inclusive financial systems, particularly at the
grassroots level, as Zambia continues to advance its financial inclusion
agenda.
