Mastercard has partnered with Kalabash54, the fintech subsidiary of Wakanow Group, a prominent online travel tech company in West Africa, to launch innovative travel cards tailored for customers in Nigeria and Ghana.
The collaboration aims to introduce a secure and convenient payment solution designed specifically to meet the diverse needs of travelers across the region.
The Kalabash54 travel card provides travelers with an all-in-one payment solution through its app. Users can fund their trips directly from the Kalabash54 app using either the physical or virtual card, available in local currency or USD. Management of the card is simplified through the app, allowing users to handle activation, PIN changes, and security controls. The card offers benefits such as global acceptance, airport lounge access, exclusive discounts, zero hidden fees, free card loading, and a loyalty program with cashback and discounts.
Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing Mastercard’s commitment to promoting a more inclusive digital economy. The partnership aims to leverage Mastercard’s global network and Wakanow’s travel industry expertise to revolutionize travel payments in West Africa.
The launch of the Kalabash54 travel card at the ‘Wakanow Unpacked’ tech and innovation expo in June underscores its strategic timing amid the increasing adoption of digital payment solutions in Nigeria and Ghana. This initiative aims to provide a reliable and widely accepted payment method for international travelers, capitalizing on the region’s growing digital economy.
Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO of Wakanow Group, highlighted the strategic impact of the alliance with Mastercard, affirming their commitment to enhancing the travel experience through secure and efficient payment options. The collaboration is poised to drive electronic payment adoption within the travel and tourism sectors, offering customers flexibility and convenience.
Ladi Ojuri, CEO of Kalabash54, expressed confidence in setting a new standard in the travel and payment industry through the collaboration with Mastercard. The partnership aims to empower customers with innovative financial tools, enhancing their travel experience and facilitating seamless global exploration.
Overall, the collaboration between Kalabash54 and Mastercard aims to enhance financial inclusivity by offering secure, accessible, and user-friendly payment solutions. With the travel industry in Ghana and Nigeria experiencing significant growth, the demand for convenient payment methods is high, and the Kalabash54 travel card is poised to meet this demand effectively.
