Telecom operator airtel Africa today said it has launched a virtual card, which will allow its subscribers to shop online using their mobile phones.

Launched in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank and MasterCard Worldwide, the 'airtel 1time Shopping Card' will soon be available in Kenya and rolled out to markets across Africa, subject to regulatory approvals.

"Today's launch of the world's first virtual number on a mobile card marks a big milestone in mobile commerce. The solution will offer consumers a robust e-commerce solution that delivers security, accessibility, acceptance, ability and a global reach," airtel CEO (International) and Joint Managing Director Manoj Kohli said in a statement.

Subsequent phases of the programme will allow airtel users to make payment across the MasterCard network, he added.

Under the partnership, airtel will provide its mobile technology platform and consumerbase, while the financial structure and regulatory framework will be provided by Standard Chartered Bank.

An airtel customer, while shopping online, can use his account to request for a single use shopping card number.

airtel will generate a special 16-digit number that enables completion of the transaction.

On completion of the transaction, a confirmation message will be sent to the consumer's handset. The single use feature of the airtel 1time Shopping Card provides the consumer with a convenient and secure online shopping experience.

The company estimates the opportunity for mobile payments to be huge, specially in Africa, where there are close to 400 million mobile phone users.

airtel is the new brand name for the 16 Zain operations across Africa which were acquired by Bharti airtel in June last year.