Building on their existing alliance in emerging markets, Orange and Visa have added in-store and online payments – as well as ATM cash withdrawals – to their range of services.

Subscribers need to apply for an Orange Money prepaid Visa card to access the new services. The physical card is used for in-store transactions, as well as getting cash from ATMs. A virtual card is used online. The mobile handset is not used.

The physical and virtual cards are connected to a user’s Orange Money account.

The additional services will launch first during August in Botswana. No timetable is given for the rest of the Orange footprint in the Middle East and Africa. Services will be introduced “progressively” in those markets, said the operator.

“I am proud to announce this world’s first launch that will give unbanked population access to a Visa card and to all related services thanks to their Orange Money account,” said Thierry Millet, Orange’s director of the strategic NFC and payment programme.

Handset services currently accessible via Orange Money are P2P money transfer, airtime purchase and bill payment.

The operator announced its alliance with partner Visa at last year’s Mobile World Congress.