Transition away from scratch cards a major tech milestone- Information Minister

Government has commended the Zambia’s telecommunications sector for their joint decision to gradually phase out the usage of airtime scratch cards in the next six months.

This will gravitate Zambia’s towards the digital technological advancement goals of Government that include paperless transactions, according to Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda.

Kasanda, also Government spokesperson said this milestone resolution would enable the Zambian populace to purchase airtime in an easier, instantaneous, safe and seamless process.

Zambia’s Mobile Network Providers on Tuesday this week launched the process of completely phasing out airtime scratch cards by June, 2023.

“This landmark decision is not only aligned to government’s quest to have a green economy but also plays an instrumental role and also feeds into government’s policy of digital transformation.

Read more: Zambia to phase-out airtime scratch cards, as 60% adopt digital direct top-up https://www.zambiamonitor.com/zambia-to-phase-out-airtime-scratch-cards-as-60-adopt-digital-direct-top-up/

“It is been a long known fact that Airtime scratch cards have been an environmental hazard and have immensely contributed towards the undesirable litter and build-up of solid waste in our country. Paper production also leads to deforestation,” Kasanda said.

This, she said, was evidenced during the Covid-19 pandemic when there was a spike in the usage and purchase of electronic airtime as opposed to physical scratch cards.

Kasanda stated that Government was alive to fears that this might cause job losses in the informal sector.

“We wish to allay these fears. Vendors will still be able to sell direct top-up airtime and still make profits and sustain their livelihoods.

“We know that through extensive partnerships with Fintechs such as Kazang, 543 and others, vendors will still be able to make commissions via the sale of electronic airtime,” she stated.
Kasanda therefore urged the general citizenry to embrace this change.

She indicated that government had the end users interests at heart and it was aware that this would further improve citizen’s general welfare.