The last three months of 2025 were a whirlwind of unique experiences and challenges as I had the privilege of working with the MoMo Zambia team. This period was marked by a deep dive into a unique market and business environment, where the MoMo Zambia team showcased their innovative ways of getting things done.
During my time in Zambia, I was treated to a trade visit in the Northern province of the Copperbelt. Here, I discovered how traders and buyers have crafted a unique way of paying and getting paid, where customers receive their products and sellers earn commissions. Visiting brand ambassadors who lead by example and show others the way, I quickly learned that in this region, if it’s not MoMo It’s No No.”
However, our immersion in the local business practices meant we were late on some deliverables for the MoMo Virtual Card Project, powered by MasterCard. The probability of not achieving our go-live date by December was high, putting us in a critical space. This meant pushing hard, working day and night for the next two months (October and November). We had to ensure the card was secure, easy to use, and provided a strong customer experience, making it available on both the MoMo app and USSD.
To achieve this, we set up daily early morning recurring meetings, which allowed us to action pending items promptly. We involved all stakeholders, including MasterCard, Network International, and Scale, who attended 98% of these sessions. It was a privilege to be part of this dedicated team.
With limited time, we held different functions accountable, from risk management, marketing, technology, to customer support. We ensured the teams were trained and that the MoMo Card met regulatory standards. Despite the tension when things didn’t go right, we kept our minds healthy with evening walks and runs, which often led to solutions the next day.
We were working backwards, having committed to executive management that we would be live by December 5th. It was a heated execution, with our leader checking on the team’s health every morning and reminding us of our deadlines. Joyfully, we delivered the card by December 5th, allowing us to iron out glitches with a soft launch within the staff.
It was with a great, unique team (MoMo Zambia, MasterCard, Scale, Network International) that we successfully sealed the project when the tide was high. Thoughtful leadership, accountability, and a “Can Do” spirit brought us together as One MoMo. Our goal was clear: to ensure John could buy Christmas gifts for his family from Europe without the hassle of Visa, and to impact the African market by empowering creators to sell their innovations online.
Get started now by downloading the MoMo App https://mtnmymomo.onelink.me/XJOt/an8hya7m and enjoy a well-connected digital experience of paying and getting paid.
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