Ecobank, MTN Partner to Ease Africa’s Mobile Money Transactions

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A partnership has been entered into between MTN Group and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI).

Both companies are joining forces together by leveraging each other’s assets to ultimately offer more value to their respective customers across the continent.

MTN’s large subscriber base, comprehensive distribution, innovative digital products and drive for mobile financial services are being linked with Ecobank’s trail blazing digital banking products to provide instant bank accounts and remittances through Africa’s largest bank by network.

The two entities, with an extensive footprint on the continent, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop this partnership agreement, which will allow them to innovate and enhance access to affordable financial services via MTN Mobile Money and Ecobank Banking services.

With the collaboration, both customers of Ecobank and MTN Mobile Money would have the opportunity to transfer money between mobile money wallets and bank accounts.

In addition, the deal will leverage on Ecobank and MTN’s assets to digitise international remittance, foster product innovation in the field of mobile saving and lending, and offer digital payment solutions to consumers, merchants and corporates.

Chief executive of MTN Group, Mr Rob Shuter, remarked that, “Partnerships between banks and mobile money operators are fundamental in the mobile money ecosystem, hence our long-standing partnership with Ecobank in many of our markets aimed at driving financial inclusion.

“We are excited to be taking this partnership to the next level as this latest development will spearhead innovative initiatives which will deepen financial access on the continent.”

Group CEO of Ecobank, Mr Ade Ayeyemi, stated that, “The changing landscape of digital banking and mobile telephony is creating unique opportunities in the way and manner customers are served.

“Africa will need to digitise financial services to rapidly scale up client acquisition and patronage. MTN and Ecobank are taking the big step today at this grand event to support this agenda.”

He further said, “Ecobank’s digital strategy has long been committed to ensuring transaction convenience for the market. We have made giant strides in our mission to ensure financial inclusion and today’s agreement with MTN will greatly accelerate the easy availability of banking services to the previously unbanked.”