By Dipo Olowookere
In order to enable their respective customers carry out a variety of mobile transactions, the duo of Airtel Africa and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated have signed a partnership agreement.
It was gathered that the partnership, which is subject to regulatory approval in each market, will enable Airtel Money customers, through Ecobank’s digital financial services ecosystem, make online deposits and withdrawals, effect real time domestic and international money transfers, make in-store merchant payments, and access loans and savings products amongst others.
The duo will leverage on their wider reach to capture several customers. Airtel Africa, is a leading global telecommunications services provider with operations in 14 countries across Africa, while Ecobank is a leading pan-African banking group operating in 33 countries.
With this deal, Ecobank corporate account holders to make bulk disbursements, such as payroll payments, directly into Airtel Money customer wallets. Additionally, Ecobank will be able to sponsor Airtel Money to issue both virtual and physical debit and pre-paid cards to Airtel Money customers.
Commenting on the collaboration, CEO for Airtel Africa, Mr Raghunath Mandava, said, “This partnership is a further demonstration of Airtel Africa’s commitment to provide affordable, simple and innovative solutions for our consumers across Africa. We will continue to offer locally relevant M-Commerce solutions with partners like Ecobank in order to enhance the daily lives of our customers.”
On his part, the Group CEO of Ecobank, Mr Ade Ayeyemi, said, “We believe that financial inclusion can ultimately contribute to economic development, collaborating with major telecommunications providers in Africa is therefore a key strategic driver towards closing the gap between the banked and the underbanked.
“Hence, this partnership with Airtel Africa which makes Ecobank financial services available to any Airtel line registered on Airtel Money, in our markets where regulatory approvals are in place. This potential extensive reach will further provide convenience to customers, intra-country and particularly for cross-border transactions and remittances across Africa.”
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Aduragbemi Omiyale