Ecobank Zambia launches mobile money payments on POS terminals

Ecobank Zambia says it has launched mobile money payments on its point-of-sale (POS) devices, allowing customers to pay merchants directly from mobile wallets in a move aimed at expanding digital financial services. In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, the bank said the system provides a seamless and secure payment process. Merchants initiate a transaction by entering the customer’s mobile number and payment amount on the POS terminal.

The customer then receives a prompt from their mobile money provider to approve the transaction using a PIN. Once authorised, the wallet is debited and the merchant receives instant confirmation. “Once authenticated, the customer’s wallet is debited, and the merchant receives instant confirmation of the completed transaction ensuring efficiency and transparency,” the statement read.

The bank said the innovation removes the need for cash, provides real-time digital confirmation and expands access to financial services for people without bank accounts. For merchants, the system increases payment options, improves efficiency and enables real-time transaction processing. “This innovation is more than just a new payment option—it is a catalyst for financial inclusion,” he said.

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He said integrating mobile money into POS channels allows merchants to serve a wider customer base while enabling secure transactions regardless of whether users have bank accounts. “Ecobank remains committed to driving digital transformation and ensuring that financial services are accessible to all,” he said. The bank said customers had welcomed the development, particularly mobile wallet users who previously faced limitations when shopping at outlets without mobile money POS support.

Merchants also expressed optimism, saying the service would expand their customer base and improve transaction security through instant confirmations and settlement updates. Ecobank said the rollout marks a key milestone in its digital transformation strategy, with a focus on merchant growth, operational efficiency and inclusive financial services.

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