
Livemint.com
Bharti Airtel Africa has signed a deal with BGFIBank Group, a financial services institution present in 10 countries in a move that will see its mobile money services reach BGFIBank customers in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.
The deal will allow Airtel Money customers that are BGFIBank account holders to transfer money between their bank accounts and Airtel Money, check their BGIF account balance, confirm transactions on their BGIF accounts, order cheque books and ATM cards and access to bank statements. Airtel Money customers visit BGFIBank ATMs and withdraw cash without using electronic cards.
According to Chidi Okpala, Director and Africa Head, Airtel Money at Bharti Airtel,“This is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa as we seek to broaden our pan-African footprint for Airtel Money to serve customers better. This partnership is also in line with our goal of making financial services accessible to everyone wherever they are, ensuring financial inclusion in Africa.”
The partnership will also allow Airtel Money agents visit BGFI bank branches and buy e-value (float) to support their businesses. The trials are already live in Gabon, Republic of Congo and The Democratic Republic of Congo. Madagascar BGIF customers are expected to join the Airtel Money network this quarter.
Airtel Money and BGFIBank Group will also launch a number of services such as mobile savings account, mobile loans and International Money Transfer services.
“This partnership demonstrates the will of the BGFIBank Group to satisfy through innovative services the needs of customers who are more demanding and expect 24h/24 available services, reliable and easy to use. We are aware that the mobile phone is today and will be tomorrow indispensable to distribute our banking services. We put it at the center of our multi-channel strategy,” said Henri-Claude Oyima, BGFIBank Group Chief Executive Officer.