Global video game commerce company Xsolla has expanded its payment options to include MTN Mobile Money (MTN MoMo) in Congo-Brazzaville and Zambia.
The move builds on Xsolla’s existing coverage across Africa, aiming to provide developers with a direct channel to millions of unbanked and underbanked players in two of the continent’s rapidly growing digital markets.
Tapping into the mobile economy
Mobile money has become a cornerstone of financial infrastructure in the region. According to Xsolla, mobile transactions accounted for over 5 per cent of GDP across selected African markets in 2024, generating more than $14.5billion in volume.
By integrating MTN MoMo, Xsolla enables players to make secure, instant gaming purchases without the need for a credit card. For developers, the integration offers a way to localise the checkout experience, potentially boosting conversion rates by offering a payment method already used daily for bills, top-ups, and peer-to-peer transfers.
Chris Hewish, president at Xsolla, commented on the strategic importance of the region:
“At Xsolla, we’re committed to empowering developers with payment solutions that meet players where they are. By expanding MTN Mobile Money coverage, we’re helping developers provide fast, familiar, and frictionless ways to pay – supporting growth and accessibility across Africa’s vibrant gaming markets.”
A bridge to African gamers
The expansion allows international game developers to bypass the friction often associated with cross-border payments in Africa. Instead of relying on low-penetration international card networks, developers can now accept payments via the mobile wallets that dominate the local economy.
Xsolla, headquartered in Los Angeles, currently operates as a merchant of record for over 1,500 game developers globally. This latest expansion reinforces its strategy of aggregating diverse local payment methods to solve monetization challenges in emerging markets.