My name is Isaac Kampende owner of Mamphost online business a Zambian merchant, and for the past two years, my business and many others have suffered a significant setback. This is because Flutterwave, an essential online payment gateway, ceased operations with Zambian merchants, leaving us with limited options for processing online payments. PayPal, a key platform for online transactions, does not operate in Zambia either.

This predicament hinders the growth of my business and many others, stifling our potential, particularly in this digital age where online transactions are crucial for international trade. Additionally, it also contributes to limiting our country's digital outreach.

Zambia, like many nations worldwide, is striving to improve its economy and heighten its digital presence. However, the existing policies do not favour the involvement of foreign online payment gateways. This lack of support for international payment gateways vastly reduces the opportunities available for businesses and consumers alike.

The World Bank estimates that over 70% of Zambians have mobile phones, indicating the potential growth of e-commerce (World Bank). However, this potential remains untapped due to the restrictive policies.

Therefore, we advocate for the Zambian Government to implement policies that favour the investment of foreign online payment gateways. This will not only benefit businesses but also improve the convenience and accessibility of online transactions for consumers and enhance Zambia's digital presence on the global stage.

Please sign this petition, and let us make online transactions easier, safer, and more effective for everyone in Zambia.