Best Mobile Money Platforms in Zambia: 2025 Review & User Guide

In Zambia’s rapidly evolving digital financial landscape, mobile money services have emerged as a game-changer — transforming how individuals and businesses manage money, pay bills, transfer funds, and access financial services. If you’re looking for the best mobile money platforms in Zambia, this comprehensive 2025 guide has you covered.

Whether you’re a small-scale entrepreneur, a student in Lusaka, a farmer in Chipata, Kasama, Isoka, Mafinga or a corporate executive in Ndola, choosing the right mobile money provider is essential for financial efficiency, security, and convenience.

1. Introduction: The Rise of Mobile Money in Zambia

Over the past decade, Zambia has witnessed exponential growth in mobile money adoption. With over 70% of adults unbanked but with mobile phone penetration above 80%, mobile wallets are bridging the financial gap. Major telecoms and fintech companies have developed innovative platforms to serve the digitally aware population.

From paying ZESCO bills to sending money across provinces, mobile money platforms in Zambia have become the backbone of the informal and formal economy alike.

2. Benefits of Using Mobile Money Platforms

Why is mobile money so essential in Zambia today?

• Accessibility: Reach remote areas with no physical banking infrastructure.

• Speed: Instant transfers and bill payments without long queues.

• Security: Protected with PINs, encryption, and biometric verification.

• Affordability: Lower transaction fees than traditional banks.

• Convenience: 24/7 availability directly from your mobile device.

3. Criteria for Ranking Mobile Money Services

To determine the best mobile money platforms in Zambia, we evaluated services based on:

• User base and reliability

• Transaction fees and limits

• Service speed and uptime

• Geographic coverage

• User experience (UX) and app performance

• Innovative features like savings, loans, and integration with banks

4. Top 8 Best Mobile Money Platforms in Zambia (2025 Edition)

Here are the most trusted and efficient mobile money services currently dominating the Zambian market:

1. MTN Mobile Money (MoMo)

Overview:
MTN MoMo remains Zambia’s largest and most popular mobile money platform, widely accepted by merchants and institutions.

Key Features:

• Nationwide agent network

• Utility bill payments (ZESCO, DSTV, etc.)

• Bank linkage (Stanbic, ABSA, ZANACO)

• Access to microloans and insurance

• Mobile app and USSD access

Pros:

• High transaction limits

• Fast transfers

• Reliable customer support

Cons:

• App interface can be improved

2. Airtel Money

Overview:
Airtel Money is the second most-used service and offers a competitive suite of services and solid coverage.

Key Features:

• Airtel to bank transfers

• QR code payments for merchants

• International remittance (Western Union partnerships)

• Airtime loans and data bundles via wallet

Pros:

• Simple USSD system

• Growing network of merchants

• Fast onboarding

Cons:

• Slightly higher transaction fees

3. Zamtel Kwacha

Overview:
Zamtel Kwacha has grown steadily in market share, especially in rural areas where Zamtel’s coverage is strongest.

Key Features:

• Affordable fee structure

• USSD and mobile app options

• Competitive agent commissions

• Integration with Government-to-Citizen (G2C) payments

Pros:

• Rural reach

• Promotions and rewards

Cons:

• Slower app updates

4. Kazang Pay

Overview:
Kazang started as a payment aggregator and evolved into a full-fledged mobile wallet offering high-speed transactions and diverse services.

Key Features:

• Seamless airtime, electricity, water, and pay TV top-ups

• Bulk payment processing for SMEs

• Multi-network support

Pros:

• Simple platform for vendors

• Great for microbusinesses

• Accepts bank top-ups

Cons:

• Limited personal wallet services

5. MTN Tenga

Overview:
Separate from MoMo, MTN Tenga is a microloan and savings-focused platform integrated into the MTN ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Digital microfinance platform

• Auto-savings features

• High-interest yield for stored balances

Pros:

• Excellent for short-term loans

• Savings automation

Cons:

• Less widely known

6. Chpundi Pay

Overview:
An emerging fintech gaining traction with youth and tech-savvy users, Chpundi Pay combines slick UX with modern features.

Key Features:

• P2P payments and group wallets

• Integration with ride-hailing apps

• Event ticketing

Pros:

• Excellent UI/UX

• Innovative partnerships

Cons:

• Not yet available nationwide

7. Zoona (rebranded as Tilt Africa)

Overview:
One of the earliest mobile money pioneers in Zambia, Zoona now operates as Tilt Africa, focusing on agent banking.

Key Features:

• Cross-network transfers

• Bill payments

• Agent-managed deposits and withdrawals

Pros:

• Strong legacy trust

• Friendly agent network

Cons:

• App functionality still evolving

8. Mukuru

Overview:
Mukuru isn’t a mobile wallet per se, but a dominant force in remittances, crucial for Zambians receiving money from abroad.

Key Features:

• International money transfers

• Cross-border mobile wallet top-ups

• Fast USSD access

Pros:

• Great for diaspora families

• Reliable foreign exchange rates

Cons:

• Limited for local use cases

5. Comparison Table: Features at a Glance

6. How to Choose the Right Platform for You

When deciding on the best mobile money platform in Zambia for your needs, consider the following:

• Are you frequently paying bills? Go for MTN MoMo or Airtel Money.

• Do you need international remittance? Mukuru or Airtel Money are ideal.

• Looking for savings or microloans? MTN Tenga and Chpundi Pay are top choices.

• Do you live in rural Zambia? Zamtel Kwacha offers superior coverage.

7. Mobile Money Fees & Transaction Costs

Understanding transaction fees can help reduce your costs over time. Below is an approximate snapshot for sending ZMW 500 in 2025:

Fees are indicative and subject to change.

8. Safety Tips for Mobile Money Users

To protect your digital wallet:

• Never share your PIN with anyone.

• Always verify SMS transaction messages.

• Use official apps, not third-party clones.

• Report suspicious activity to your provider immediately.

• Beware of scams promising free money or promotions.

9. Future of Mobile Payments in Zambia

With smartphone adoption on the rise and digital ecosystems growing, Zambia’s mobile money sector is poised for transformation. Expect the following:

• Increased interoperability between networks and wallets

• Broader adoption of biometric security

• Rise of AI-based credit scoring for mobile loans

• Integration with e-commerce and ride-hailing platforms

• Expansion into agritech and educational payments

10. Final Thoughts

The best mobile money platforms in Zambia are more than just tools — they’re enablers of financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and seamless transactions. Whether you’re a business owner seeking ease of payments or a student managing allowances, there’s a platform tailored to your needs.

Evaluate your habits, explore the options, and choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. In 2025, mobile money isn’t the future — it’s the now.