Mastercard and Kalabash54 launch innovative travel card in Nigeria and Ghana

Mastercard has collaborated with Kalabash54, the fintech subsidiary of one of West Africa’s leading online travel tech company, Wakanow Group, to introduce innovative travel cards for customers in Nigeria and Ghana. This collaboration aims to offer a secure and convenient payment solution designed to meet the unique needs of travellers across the region.

L-R: Ladi Ojuri, Chief Executive Officer of Kalabash54; Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa, Mastercard; Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow Group, and Akintunde Ajayi, Director, Business Development, Fintech & Enablers, EEMEA, Mastercard.

The Kalabash54 travel card empowers travellers with a convenient all-in-one payment solution. Benefits include the ability to fund trips directly from the Kalabash54 app using the physical or virtual card, available in local currency or USD. Users can easily manage their card through the app, handling activation, PIN changes, and security controls while enjoying worldwide acceptance, airport lounge access, exclusive discounts, no hidden fees, free card loading, and a loyalty program with cashback, discounts, and more.

This offering will allow consumers to leverage their spend through a product that will enhance their travel experience, supported by Mastercard’s global network and Wakanow’s strength with travel suppliers globally.

“We are thrilled to team up with Kalabash54 and Wakanow to bring this innovative travel card to Nigeria and Ghana. Mastercard is committed to fostering a more inclusive, digital economy, where every journey is powered by seamless financial services.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage the collective strengths of our global network and Wakanow’s industry expertise to transform travel payments in West Africa with secure, convenient, and rewarding options,” said Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa, Mastercard.

The timing of this collaboration is particularly significant given the current landscape of the payments industry in Nigeria and Ghana. Both markets have seen a surge in the adoption of digital payment solutions, driven by increased internet penetration and growing purchase power of consumers.

The introduction of the Kalabash54 travel card, officially launched at the ‘Wakanow Unpacked’ tech and innovation expo in June, is poised to capitalize on this trend, offering a reliable and widely accepted payment method for international travellers.

Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Group emphasized the impact of the strategic alliance, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Mastercard to introduce this unique payment solution to our customers in Nigeria and Ghana. This collaboration underscores our dedication to enhancing the travel experience by offering secure and efficient payment options.

“Our customers can now enjoy the convenience of a global payment solution managed through the Kalabash54 app, providing ease and flexibility. The collaboration aims to enhance electronic payment adoption in the travel and tourism sectors.”

Ladi Ojuri, Chief Executive Officer of Kalabash54, said, “We believe this collaboration with Mastercard will set a new standard in the travel and payment industry. Our goal is to empower our customers with the most innovative and reliable financial tools, enhancing their travel experience and providing them with the confidence to explore the world seamlessly. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging global partnerships to deliver unparalleled value and convenience to our customers.”

This collaboration aims to boost financial inclusivity by providing more secure, easy, and accessible payment solutions. With the travel industry Ghana and Nigeria on the rise, the demand for convenient payment methods is high. The Kalabash54 and Mastercard alliance is set to meet this demand, offering tools for seamless international travel.