Wave, in Partnership with Visa and Ecobank, Launches a Virtual Card to Accelerate Financial Inclusion in Africa

Dakar, Senegal, January 23, 2026 – Wave, in partnership with Visa and Ecobank Senegal, has officially launched a virtual payment card integrated into the Wave app, designed for users in Senegal. This innovation reflects the shared ambition of the partners to democratize access to digital payments and strengthen financial inclusion across Africa.

Fully digital and available directly within the Wave application, the virtual card enables users to make online payments on major e-commerce platforms, subscription services, ticketing, streaming, and other digital services, with ease and a high level of security. The launch is supported by Ecobank, a leading pan-African bank, which is accompanying Wave in the commercialization of the virtual card and leveraging its expertise in digital financial services and secure payments.

Following several months of pilot testing conducted in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, user feedback confirmed the relevance and strong potential of this solution in facilitating everyday online payments. The Wave virtual card was therefore designed to meet the growing needs of African users for modern, reliable, and transparent payment solutions.

“This launch marks an important milestone in our mission to make financial services as simple and accessible as possible. With this virtual card integrated into the Wave app, our users can now pay online with the same ease as their daily transactions. We are proud to take this new step alongside Visa and Ecobank Senegal,” said Malick Gueye, Managing Director of Wave Senegal.

The Wave virtual card also stands out for its user-centric experience, featuring instant issuance, simple usage, and seamless integration within the app. It further reinforces Wave’s commitment to offering financial services that are practical, accessible, and inclusive, closely aligned with users’ real needs.

“At Ecobank, we firmly believe that digital innovation is a key driver of financial inclusion and the evolution of payment behaviors in Africa. By sponsoring Wave in the commercialization of this virtual card, alongside leading partners such as Visa, we reaffirm our role as a trusted partner for fintechs in Senegal and our commitment to providing secure, accessible payment solutions tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses. This partnership fully aligns with our pan-African banking strategy focused on digital financial services and financial inclusion,” said Sahid Yallou, Managing Director of Ecobank Senegal.

“We are delighted to partner with Wave for the launch of Visa virtual cards in Senegal. At Visa, our ambition is to make digital payments more accessible, secure, and seamless for everyone. Through this initiative, we are providing millions of users in Senegal with a convenient virtual card protected by Visa’s security standards, making everyday online purchases easier while strengthening financial inclusion in the country,” said Sandra Gayibor, Country Manager, Visa Senegal.

With this innovation, Wave Mobile Money, alongside Ecobank and Visa, reaffirms its commitment to delivering useful, accessible, and inclusive financial services to millions of Africans. This launch fully aligns with the company’s vision of making Africa the first truly cashless continent, where every transaction is carried out simply and with confidence. As the first unicorn in Francophone Africa, Wave continues to invest in technology-driven solutions designed around real user needs, combining simplicity, security, and financial freedom.