Mobile money is booming in Zambia. Transaction volumes rose 819 % between 2017 and 2022, proving there is real demand for new agents. This guide shows you — step by step — how to register a mobile money agency, whether you simply want to act for Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, or Zamtel Kwacha, or you plan to launch your own e‑money institution licensed by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).
1 | Understand the Legal Landscape
Zambia regulates mobile money through the National Payment Systems Act and a suite of BoZ directives. Two entry routes exist:
- Agent model – act on behalf of an existing mobile money operator.
- E‑money issuer model – create and run your own wallet platform (requires BoZ designation).
2 | Route 1 — Become an Agent for Existing Providers
2.1 Minimum eligibility
- Zambian citizen 18 + with a valid NRC
- Personal phone number
- TPIN from ZRA
- Trading licence or business permit (where applicable)
- Secure, visible business location
- Start‑up float (K2,000 + depending on operator)
Tip: Register with more than one network to widen your customer base.
2.2 Collect the paperwork
| Document | Why it matters |
| Original NRC | Proves identity |
| TPIN | Enables tax reporting |
| Proof of premises | Confirms physical presence |
| Local‑authority intro letter | Some councils demand it |
2.3 Submit an agent application
- Download or collect the operator’s form.
- Attach the documents above.
- Pay the one‑off application fee (varies; often free via master agents).
- Meet the operator’s minimum float requirement.
Direct vs. master‑agent route
| Path | Capital need | Commission split | Speed |
| Direct to operator | Higher (K2,000 – K5,000) | 100 % to you | Slower approval |
| Via master agent | Lower (K0 – K2,000) | 85–90 % to you | Same‑day approval common |
2.4 Training & certification
Operators give one‑day training on KYC, AML obligations, and system use. Pass the short quiz to receive an Agent ID SIM and branded booth materials.
2.5 Sign the agent contract
Read the fine print on:
- Commission rates
- Daily transaction limits
- Float top‑up rules
- Penalties for non‑compliance
2.6 Set up shop & go live
Brand your kiosk, deposit your opening float, insert the agent SIM, and start processing cash‑in, cash‑out, bill pay, and airtime.
3 | Route 2 — Launch Your Own E‑Money Institution
This path suits fintech start‑ups with solid capital and a robust payments platform.
3.1 Pre‑engage BoZ
Book a meeting with the Payment Systems Department. Present:
- Your business model
- Risk‑management framework
- System architecture & security stack
- Three proposed company/product names
3.2 Secure name clearance
BoZ clears one name for six months. Use it to register the company with PACRA.
3.3 Prepare the full application
BoZ Form PSD‑1 must include:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Board & senior management résumés
- Detailed business plan with three‑year financials
- Capital proof (paid‑up equity + reserve fund)
- End‑to‑end system diagram & penetration‑test report
- Draft customer terms, privacy policy, and AML procedures
- Proposed agent network plan (if any) and draft agent contracts
3.4 Submit & undergo assessment
BoZ has up to 90 days to respond. Expect clarifications, an IT audit, and premises inspection.
3.5 Designation & go‑live
Once approved:
- Pay the annual designation fee.
- Receive the Designation Certificate.
- Launch within 12 months, reporting quarterly thereafter.
4 | Stay Compliant After Launch
| Obligation | Agent | E‑money issuer |
| Daily & monthly transaction limits | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ongoing AML/KYC checks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quarterly returns to BoZ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Annual IT & risk audits | ✗ | ✓ |
| Agent oversight & training logs | ✓ (own sub‑agents) | ✓ |
Non‑compliance can trigger fines, licence suspension, or criminal liability.
5 | Costs at a Glance (2025)
| Cost item | Agent model | E‑money issuer |
| Application fee | K0 – K500 | K5,000 + |
| Initial float or capital | K2,000 – K10,000 | US $500,000 + (incl. tech build) |
| Branding & kiosk | K1,500 | n/a |
| Annual BoZ designation | n/a | US $15,000 |
6 | Conclusion
Registering a mobile money agency in Zambia is straightforward if you take the agent route — gather the right paperwork, attend operator training, and maintain enough float. Ambitious fintech founders can build their own e‑money platforms, but must satisfy stringent BoZ requirements and invest heavily in technology and compliance.
With 58 % of adults already using mobile wallets and usage still climbing, well‑run agents and issuers stand to capture a growing slice of Zambia’s digital payments market.
