MTN Zambia destroys 70 million scratch cards for digital shift

MTN Zambia is literally shredding millions of scratch cards to push digital top-ups and cut waste.

What just happened on the ground

• MTN Zambia starts destroying over 70 million recharge cards.
• The cleanup runs at an e-waste site in Lusaka.
• The move follows orders from state regulators.
• Physical vouchers are officially on the chopping block.

Why are the cards done

• Plastic and paper waste gets slashed.
• Digital recharges beat peeling foil forever.
• Customers already shifted to app and USSD options.
• Safer top-ups replace street-level scratch cards.

Regulators and reactions

• Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority backs the phaseout.
• Edgar Mlauzi shows up representing leadership.
• The regulator praises sustainability and access gains.

Bigger strategy signal

• Digital inclusion stays front and center.
• Environmental responsibility gets real-world action.
• Telecom infrastructure leans fully cashless.
• Legacy systems quietly get erased.