The much awaited kickoff of the game-changing partnership involving telecoms giant, MTN and global e-payment solutions company, VISA, as the telecoms company has exclusively revealed that both parties have not fixed a date for the launch of the partnership.
“A date for the launch has not yet been set,” MTN said.
Through the partnership, MTN customers would be able to make online payments at all Visa merchants; they would also be able to withdraw money from their MTN Mobile Money account at any Visa ATM.
Pieter Verkade, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer said “The partnership between MTN and Visa will provide MTN Mobile Money customers with access to the entire Visa network, which includes merchants, online vendors and ATMs, to enable a “mobile” payment experience.”
Although it initially said the service would debut in Ghana before the end of 2013, current indications suggest that the launch may be pushed till next year.
MTN said after launching the service in Ghana, it would gradually be introduced in other African nations where the network is operating.
According to Vish Sowani, Visa’s Head of Global Mobile Network Operator Partnerships, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Group, the partnership would serve as an extension of the benefits of electronic payments to mobile money services in Africa.
Sowani said: “We are delighted to launch this exciting new service with MTN. This is significant as we look to extend the benefits of electronic payments to mobile money services in Africa. Visa recognises that mobile technology is the single most significant driver of financial inclusion and improving access to financial services is a critical building block to help more people improve their lives.
“We look forward to building on this broad based partnership with MTN to bring further innovative payment related products to their customers in the future.”
