Airtel Money introduces International Transfer Services to ease remittances

Airtel Money customers will start sending money directly to recipients in Tanzania , Malawi, and soon,  Rwanda, Kenya and U.A.E and shall be receiving from Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Somalia, UK, USA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Sauda Arabia .

V.G Somasekhar, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, said “this service will complement E-commerce that we have facilitated through the numerous Airtel data offerings and while using the service , the customers will not be charged nor taxed for receiving money regardless of where the money is coming from, charges will only apply at point of sending which will  be charged against a tiered tariff at competitive rates across the market ranging between shs 900- 5800.”

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon Henry Okello Oryem welcomed the service not only as a solution that will deepen financial inclusion in Uganda but also as a boost to the regional integration agenda .

“When you encourage Ugandans on Pan-Africanism and integration, that’s the language we would like to hear. We need to move away from cash towards electronic payments to reduce on costs and risks of losing money. I am glad that with this service, now I don’t have to go to the bank, fill forms and wait for ages. I can do all my transactions from the comfort of my home without extra costs,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs – Hon. Henry Okello Oryem says.

“I want to thank the young Ugandans working in the telecom sector, you are a brilliant group with determination. If people in public service had this determination, this country would have been a much better place. I would like to encourage Airtel, if you could attend our diaspora events and market this to Ugandans and save them the charges. I am confident that Ugandans abroad will use this service considering the high charges they are currently incurring. I would like to thank Airtel for this innovation and as Government I would like to pledge our support for such a system that will play a big role in making Uganda a big player in integration efforts of the region and I look forward to working with you on other projects,” the Minister added.

Assistant Director National Payments Central Bank of Uganda, Mr Lawrence Olubo said, “As bank of Uganda we would like to congratulate Airtel for joining the international money transfer. What we take pride in as BOU is the Anti money laundering policy which you are adhering to. One of our biggest costs as Bank of Uganda is printing of money. Your movement towards having international remittance, not only reduces costs incurred by BOU but enables economic development of this country.