Airtel Africa collaborates with MoneyGram to allow its customers receive direct mobile wallet transfers.

Airtel Africa has collaborated with international money transfer company, MoneyGram to allow its 19 million customers to receive transfers directly into their mobile wallets.

Anytime Airtel Money customers receive the funds, users can access it immediately which can be used to pay utility bills, goods and services, transfer to other individuals, or convert to cash at any of Airtel Africa’s branches, kiosks, and agents.

Head of MoneyGram Africa, John Gely said, “This partnership with Airtel will enable millions of consumers instant access to our global platform to receive money from over 200 countries & territories without having to even step outside.”

“We’re excited about how this customer-centric partnership with Airtel will expand our mobile wallet capabilities, build upon our strong momentum in Africa, and further accelerate our digital growth across the globe,” Gely further stated.

This collaboration is in line with the strategic imperatives of both companies as Airtel focuses on expanding the breadth of its offerings, launching international partnerships to link millions of people to the global economy while driving money flows into the continent.

CEO of Airtel Africa, Raghunath Mandava 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.”

“This is a significant step forward in our ambition to transform lives through greater financial inclusion and empowerment across the continent. Maximizing access to global remittances is a key part of this – even more so given the disruption and economic hardship faced by many because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mandava added.

MoneyGram is a leader in cross-border peer-to-peer payments and money transfers. Its consumer-centric capabilities allow individuals to quickly and affordably send money in more than 200 countries and territories.

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services with a presence in 14 countries across Africa.

The services will begin this yea and is subject to local regulatory approvals.