Telecom services provider Bharti Airtel has announced that its mobile commerce service, Airtel Money, has achieved a target of one million revenue-earning customers in DR Congo
Airtel Money is a secure and convenient mobile commerce service that allows customers to transfer money between one mobile phone to the other across all networks.
Christian de Faria, CEO of Airtel Africa, said, “The importance of a safe, secure and convenient financial channel cannot be overstated in sub-Saharan Africa where companies like Airtel are investing to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place so that economies can fully maximise its existing and potential opportunities.”
According to Bharti Airtel, the achievement was significant because DR Congo has the largest mobile-money market potential in Africa outside Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Alain Kahasha, MD of Airtel DR Congo, added, “This is a key milestone for Airtel Money and we are excited that the service is fast becoming helpful for driving the country’s economy and empowering people. DR Congo is one of the markets where mobile money is making a socio-economic impact, pioneering services such as civil service salary payments in partnership with the government.”
In December 2012, with the support from the government of DR Congo and in partnership with the Congolese Association of Banks and local banks of the country, more than 1,100 policemen received their salaries through Airtel Money. The service has since been extended to other civil servants, including teachers and the military, noted Bharti Airtel.
