The two companies have joined hands to launch, soon, real-time payments into millions of Airtel Payments Bank accounts in India and mobile wallets across 14 countries in Africa.
The agreement, when it comes into effect shortly, is bound to affect a multitude of account holders across India and Africa.
Go deeper with GlobalData
In India, Airtel Payments Bank Customers will be able to direct Western Union money transfer into their bank accounts 24/7, via their app.
In Africa, Airtel Money mobile wallet users in 14 countries will be able to route any money transfer received, into their wallets; and senders worldwide will be able to push funds directly to an Airtel Money mobile wallet in real-time.
Western Union’s collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank in India will offer another channel for real-time cross-border money movement into India, the world’s largest remittance-receiving country, according to the World Bank.
A worldwide network
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataGlobal senders can use Western Union’s digital services in 75 countries plus territories, or the walk-in Agent network across more than 200 countries and territories.
The collaboration with Airtel Africa will enable more than 15 million Airtel Money mobile wallet users in Nigeria, Uganda, Gabon, Tanzania, Zambia, DRC, Malawi, Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, Niger, Chad, Rwanda and Seychelles to simply route any money transfer received from across the world into their wallets.
It will also allow senders around the world to push funds directly to an Airtel Money mobile wallet in real-time and store value or pay for goods and services. Service launch is expected in the course of 2020.
Western Union receive-direct partnerships
Airtel Payments Bank in India and Airtel Africa adds to a host of other partners offering receiver-directed Western Union money transfers: eSewa in Nepal, Gcash in the Philippines, mVola in Madagascar and Tigo in El Salvador and Guatemala.
Receiver-directed money transfer services are on the rise with flexible linkages offered by mobile apps and wallets. It offers receiving customers a convenient payout method.
