Airtel Money launches Easy Float to Empower Agents with Flexible Loans

Airtel Uganda, in partnership with FINCA Uganda has launched Easy Float, a new loan product designed to empower Airtel Money agents with quick and flexible access to working capital.

The service allows agents to seamlessly top up their float whenever they run low, ensuring uninterrupted service to customers. The launch event held at Fairway Hotel in Kampala marked a significant milestone in enhancing financial inclusion and strengthening Uganda’s digital financial ecosystem.

Speaking at the launch, Japheth Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money Uganda, said the Easy Float initiative directly addresses the critical challenge of float liquidity that many agents face.

“Some of us have approached agents for transactions only to be told they’ve run out of float. That has now ended. If an agent is depositing UGX 20,000 for a customer but the float is short by UGX 5,000, they can instantly access a top-up through the Easy Float loan, the the transaction will be completed quickly, and our agents will no longer face float outages.” Aritho explained.

He added that the innovation will enable Airtel Money’s network of more than 324,000 agents, many of whom are young entrepreneurs, to expand their operations, increase earnings, and contribute to the growth of Uganda’s economy.

Robert Kakande, Executive Director for FINCA Uganda applauded the collaboration with Airtel, noting that the initiative aligns with FINCA’s mission to advance financial inclusion.

“Our partnership with Airtel Money is a vital step in expanding digital financial access across Uganda. By providing essential working capital through the Easy Float platform, we are empowering thousands of micro-entrepreneurs to sustain their businesses, better serve their communities, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth,” Kakande said.

He emphasized that loan repayment is flexible and automatically deducted from the agent’s monthly commissions, making it convenient and manageable for users. Easy Float is one of the latest innovations in Uganda’s evolving electronic financial landscape, offering benefits to both agents and customers by ensuring smooth, uninterrupted money transfers.

The innovation has come at a time when agents have been frequently run out of float due to high customer demand, which disrupts service delivery. According to the Bank of Uganda, the country’s mobile money market steadily growing, currently valued at USD 133 billion and is projected to grow to USD 1.15 trillion by 2033, underscoring the growing importance of such financial innovations.