Airtel Africa join forces with Mukuru to enable cross border transfer in 12 African countries

Airtel Africa has joined forces with Mukuru to enable Mukuru customers to send cross-border transfers directly to Airtel Money customer wallets in 12 African countries.

This partnership will benefit customers in making intra-Africa payments from Southern Africa where Mukuru has a leading presence.

Also, Customers will not go physically to an Agent to receive cross-border payments.

When Airtel Money customers receive the funds, they can pay utility bills, goods, and services, transfer money to family and friends, or can be cashed out at any of Airtel Africa’s exclusive branches, kiosks, and agents.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airtel Africa,  Raghunath Mandava said, “This partnership empowers those without a bank account to be included in the formal financial ecosystem and to move money conveniently, seamlessly and securely. At a time when intra-Africa cross-border payments are of strategic importance, we are pleased to be working together on cross-country mobile money transfers, while also supporting local economies.”

The new deal will initially launch in Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and will be subsequently rolled out across Airtel Africa’s Airtel Money markets.

CEO of Mukuru, Andy Jury also stated that “This partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit in which Mukuru is engaging with other industry leaders to provide universal access to cash and digital financial services across the continent. The enablement of digital money transfers between Mukuru and Airtel Africa customers means we can offer greater choice to the hardworking diaspora when providing for their families back home. The freedom to choose the solution best befitting your personal circumstances is pivotal to true economic empowerment ”

This deal comes at a time where contactless payments have become very necessary to stop the spread of Coronavirus in this pandemic times.