Airtel to start cross-border mobile money transfer service
From left: Visa Card head emerging products and innovation Sub-Saharan Africa Dougie Henderson, Airtel Kenya managing director Shivan Bhargava and Chase Bank deputy chief executive officer Paul Njaga during the launch of Airtel Kenya Visa Card - a partnership between the three firms on February 20, 2014. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |
What you need to know:
- The service will allow Airtel customers to transfer money across borders as well as top up airtime and data seamlessly. It will also allow customers to pay utility bills, buy goods and services and withdraw cash at selected automated teller machines (ATM).
Airtel has launched cross-border mobile money transfers for its customers in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
The service will allow Airtel customers to transfer money across borders as well as top up airtime and data seamlessly. It will also allow customers to pay utility bills, buy goods and services and withdraw cash at selected automated teller machines (ATM).
“This is a first in market initiative across Africa and will enable Airtel Money customers to send, receive and withdraw money from their Airtel Money wallets,” Mr Chidi Okpala, director and Airtel Money head, said in a statement.
The telecommunications service provider said the pilot phase will kick off on November 1, 2014 in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda after approval by central banks in these countries.
The pilot project will also enable Bank of Africa customers in Kenya and Uganda to send and receive money across the two countries.
Airtel, which runs operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, plans to roll out the service to other operations within a year.
Mobile commerce is gaining importance in the region for its huge role in speeding up transactions, saving time and money for people and businesses.
