NAIROBI, Kenya August 21 – Airtel Africa has partnered with American money transfer company, Money Gram International in a move that will enable its 19 million customers to quickly receive Money Gram transfers directly to their mobile wallets.
Under the new partnership, customers will immediately access transferred money, use them to pay utilities or convert them to cash at any of Airtel Africa’s branches.
Raghunath Mandava, CEO of Airtel Africa says the move is aimed at transforming lives through financial inclusion and also maximize customers’ access to global remittances- “even more so given the disruption and economic hardship faced by many because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Manndava said.
“We are delighted to work with MoneyGram to provide millions of customers with fast, secure and convenient options to receive and send money as well as access their funds from a vast distribution of exclusive kiosks, agents and branches at their convenience,” Mandava said.
On his part, John Gelly Head of Money Gram Africa pointed out that the customer-centric partnership with Airtel is aimed at expanding the firm’s mobile wallet capabilities and build a strong momentum in the continent.
“This partnership with Airtel will enable millions of consumers instant access to our global platform to receive money from over 200 countries and territories without having to even step outside,”he said.
The services will be enabled this year subject to local regulatory approvals.
Airtel money boasts of more than nearly 100 million subcribers in the continent with a presence in 14 countries.
Moneygram international is renowned for cross-border P2P payments and money transfers and enables such transfers in more than 200 countries.
