Stanchart, Airtel partner in mobile financial services

STANDARD Chartered Plc has partnered with Airtel Africa to drive financial inclusion across key markets in Africa including Zambia, providing customers with increased access to mobile financial services.

The two companies will work together to create new innovative products aimed at enhancing the accessibility of financial services and, ultimately, better serve people across Africa.

Mobile banking transfers between Airtel Money and Standard Chartered Bank are now live in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Standard Chartered Bank Regional Chief Executive Officer Africa and Middle East, Sunil Kaushal, said his organisation was accelerating mobile and digital led strategy to provide best in class financial service to Africa.

This would be done through collaborations with innovative companies such as Airtel Africa.

Mr Kaushal said in a statement yesterday that the partnership would further enhance the ability of bank’s customers to manage and move money safely and securely and create market-leading financial solutions across countries

“Over the past year, Standard Chartered has rapidly launched digital banks across nine countries on the continent, allowing our customers to enjoy seamless services from the safety of their homes even during the peak of the pandemic,” he said.

By partnering with mobile wallet providers, the bank has expanded its network into markets where mobile wallets are prevalent.

Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Raghunath Mandava, said the relationship with Standard Chartered boosted financial inclusion across the continent, giving millions of people access to valuable banking services.

Mr Mandava said his organisation continued to invest heavily in cashing in and cashing out locations for customers and increase its distribution.

Mr Mandava explained that this highlighted Airtel Africa’s commitment to providing affordable, innovative, best-in- class solutions to enhance the daily lives of the customers.

This partnership supports Airtel Africa’s efforts to expand the range and depth of its Airtel Money offerings across its 19 million customer base, with new products and services helping to promote the wider adoption of mobile money and increasing financial inclusion.