The note describes the efforts UNCDP is undertaking in collaboration with Airtel Zambia to increase the use of digital financial services in remote and underserved communities in the Copperbelt, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, North Western and Southern and Western Province. Efforts include improving on the number of products and services for Airtel Money customers in these sites especially targeting those who previously were unable to connect to Airtel Money. In addition, Airtel Money will provide their agents with an innovative access to electronic float (E-Float) with the aim of improving their transactions and enhancing limits which will help them serve their customers with ease.
Impact / Outcome
Reach underserved populations with products and services tailored to their needs. This is key to promote financial inclusion and to enhance the skills required to navigate a digital economy.
Airtel Zambia aims:
- to improve and expand its digital inclusion services and products. This includes improving its infrastructure, increasing the number of Airtel Money agents and merchants to reach customers at the last mile
- to improve agent liquidity, both electronic value- and cash, to enable its agents to better serve their customers
- agents can serve their customers on an ongoing basis without having to turn them away due to lack of float. Solving agents’ liquidity issues increases the number of transactions and has a positive impact on the agents’ profitability, which in turn boosts the confidence in the services offered and encourages customers to continue using the Airtel Money services.
Funding sources
Government or other public organization
Key Metrics
Access to mobile money and other digital finance services
Operating model
Public-private partnershipYear published
18 February 2021 
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Government and other public sector