Global carrier services provider BICS has announced an agreement with Airtel Africa to facilitate mobile money transfers throughout Africa
The agreement applies to all markets covered by Airtel in the African region and will allow Airtel Money subscribers to send and receive money transfers over the operator’s network.
Frederic Salmon, vice-president of mobile financial services at BICS, said, “The global footprint for mobile money transfers continues to grow rapidly, with Africa playing a prominent role.
“The Airtel Africa agreement enables mobile subscribers to send and receive money transfers, opening up a two-way model in the region. Airtel Africa has now joined the community of service providers connected to the HomeSend Hub and will extend the reach of the network.
“As more and more leading operators join the community, the scope of mobile money transfers will continue to increase and this will contribute to our aim of developing a truly global mobile remittance ecosystem,” he added.
Airtel Africa is part of Bharti Airtel, reported to be the fourth-largest mobile operator in the world, and provides mobile services across 17 different markets in the African region.
The agreement will enable Airtel Money customers to send and receive money instantly using a money transfer service supported by BICS. Subject to regulatory approvals in each country, Airtel Africa will be connected to a growing community of mobile network operators and money transfer organisations through the HomeSend remittance hub, BICS claimed.
The partnership follows the announcement from BICS in October 2012 that it had opened up two new mobile remittance corridors towards Africa to allow mobile subscribers in the region to receive money transfers.
Chidi Okpala, director and head of Airtel Money at Airtel Africa, said, “Mobile is seen as a viable channel to transfer money in Africa. This agreement enables us to guarantee the availability of money transfer services for our subscribers. It will enable them to send and receive transfers in a safe and secure environment.
“This partnership with BICS is another step by Airtel Money to deepen financial inclusion, expand cashless ecosystems and facilitate intra-Africa fund flows across our 17 markets. More so, our customers will no longer need to travel long distances because they want to send or receive money,” he added.
