21 August 2026
Mukuru has launched its Visa-branded Companion Card in Botswana, giving customers a direct way to spend funds held in their Mukuru Wallet without transferring money between accounts. The card enables cashless payments for everyday purchases wherever Visa is accepted.
The Companion Card works alongside the Mukuru Wallet by ensuring that there is no need to transfer funds between accounts without requiring a traditional bank account. Both services operate across all mobile networks, giving customers access to payments for groceries, transport, utilities, school fees, bills and online shopping.
Mukuru targets financial inclusion gap
Botswana has one of Africa’s highest mobile penetration rates at 166%, with approximately 4.21 million connections in a population of 2.54 million. Despite this, access to formal banking has not kept pace, with current estimates suggesting that 38% of adults remain unbanked.
The launch addresses a critical gap in a market where financial exclusion persists in spite of the robust digital infrastructure in the country.
Card adds security features
The Companion Card includes a customer PIN for transactions, while online purchases use Visa’s 3D Secure authentication. Customers can also block or stop a misplaced card directly from their phone.
Thembani Moyo, Country Manager for Mukuru Botswana said;
“Our customers already trust the Mukuru Wallet to manage their money. The Companion Card gives them a new, practical way to use it; so paying for groceries or topping up airtime is as easy as swiping a card, without ever needing to visit a branch or carry cash.”
Mukuru is registered as an Electronic Payment Service Provider in Botswana, supporting its provision of regulated payment services as consumers increasingly shift towards digital and cashless transactions.
Wallet ecosystem expands payment access
Andy Jury, Group CEO of Mukuru said,
“This is about strengthening what the Mukuru Wallet can do for our customers.
We’re building a financial services brand around real, everyday needs, helping customers manage, move, and spend their money securely, and on their own terms.”
The company said the Wallet and Companion Card are intended to give households greater control over their money while reducing some of the barriers associated with formal banking.
Visa and Access Bank support rollout
Amon Magunje, Country Manager for Visa Botswana commented;
“Visa is committed to expanding access to the digital economy through secure and innovative payment solutions. For us, the launch of the Mukuru Companion Card in Botswana marks an important step in advancing financial inclusion, connecting more consumers to the security, convenience and global reach of the Visa network.
This collaboration combines Visa’s global capabilities with Mukuru’s deep local presence to deliver greater value and choice to consumers across Botswana.”
For her part, Shathiso Choto, Head of Retail Banking, Access Bank stated;
“At Access Bank, we are proud to champion initiatives that expand access to safe and reliable financial services.
Supporting the Mukuru Companion Card allows us to empower more customers to actively and confidently engage in Botswana’s digital economy.”
Source: https://shorturl.at/01WU9
