Mastercard and Letshego have launched a new debit card in Mozambique, a move aimed at accelerating the country’s transition toward a more inclusive digital economy.
The launch comes at a time when digital payment adoption in Mozambique remains low, with only about 22 per cent of adults using digital payment platforms. The initiative is expected to expand access to secure and globally accepted financial services, particularly for underserved communities.
According to a joint statement, the partnership will utilise Mastercard’s global payment network to help customers reduce reliance on cash transactions while building verifiable financial records. The shift is also expected to improve consumer security and encourage wider digital payment acceptance among local businesses.
The rollout coincides with Letshego’s 15th anniversary in Mozambique, highlighting the company’s growth from a microfinance lender into a major commercial financial services provider in the country.
The Division President for Africa at Mastercard, Gabriel Swanepoel, said, “Expanding access to secure and reliable digital payments is essential to enabling broader financial participation. The Letshego Debit Card provides consumers with a simple, trusted way to transact, supporting greater inclusion and unlocking long-term economic opportunity. By equipping more individuals with the tools to participate in the digital economy, we are helping to build financial resilience and empower communities to thrive.”
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Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Letshego Mozambique, Carlos Nhamahango, said, “As we mark 15 years in Mozambique, this launch reflects our continued commitment to innovation and meaningful local impact. The Letshego Debit Card empowers customers to move beyond cash, transact with confidence, and access financial solutions that support their daily lives and future aspirations. This is a gateway for our customers to build a financial history that was previously out of reach.”
The initiative aligns with broader global trends highlighted in the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025, which notes that while 79 per cent of adults globally now have access to financial accounts, over a billion people remain excluded. In Mozambique, where the formal financial infrastructure is still developing, the new debit card serves as a critical infrastructure piece for sustainable economic growth.
By integrating Mastercard’s secure technology, Letshego aims to provide its micro and small enterprise clients, as well as individual consumers, with a resilient platform for international and local trade. This collaboration not only strengthens Mozambique’s financial infrastructure but also reinforces the commitment of both organisations to fostering a cashless, transparent, and more equitable financial ecosystem across Southern Africa.
