Mastercard, a leading global technology company in the payments industry, has partnered with Kalabash54, the fintech arm of Wakanow Group, a leading West African online travel agency, to introduce a new travel card designed specifically for Nigerians and Ghanaians. 

This collaboration aims to streamline and elevate the travel experience for residents of these countries. According to a study by Statista, Travel and tourism contributed 3.6 percent to Nigeria’s GDP in 2022, which was equal to around 17.3 billion U.S. dollars. The travel industry in Nigeria and Ghana is experiencing a significant boom, creating a demand for convenient payment methods. The Kalabash54 travel card addresses this need by offering a reliable and widely accepted payment solution for international travelers.

The official launch of the Kalabash54 travel card took place in June 2024 at the Wakanow Unpacked expo. The card caters to the growing demand for secure and convenient digital payment solutions in the travel sector, fueled by the increasing internet penetration and rising consumer spending power observed in both Nigeria and Ghana.

How Kalabash54 travel card works

Managed through a dedicated app, the Kalabash54 travel card offers a lot of features designed to enhance the travel experience. According to Mastercard, cardholders will benefit from worldwide acceptance, allowing them to spend effortlessly abroad. They can also access airport lounges for a more relaxing travel experience and enjoy exclusive travel discounts to save money on their journeys. 

According to Mastercard, there will also be no hidden fees, while free card loading allows for convenient fund transfers. In terms of security, the card will be offering robust fraud management to protect users’ financial information.

The Kalabash54 travel card can also be loaded with either local currency or U.S. Dollar. Users can manage their cards entirely through the app, including activation, PIN changes, and security control adjustments. 

”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,” Folasade Femi-Lawal, Mastercard’s Country Manager for West Africa, said. 

According to Ladi Ojuri, CEO of Kalabash54, “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.”