International transfer service, Western Union and the MTN Group have launched a new mobile money transfer service in the Ivory Coast in a move that will see MTN Ivory Coast customers receive by mobile money any cash send to them via Western Union.
Apart from the mobile money deal, consumers can receive funds at nearly 900 Western Union Agent locations throughout the country. International money transfers for mobile pick-up via MTN Mobile Money can be initiated at westernunion, or at participating Western Union Agent locations.
The two had a similar deal in Uganda.
Khalid Fellahi, senior vice president and general manager, Western Union Digital said,“Western Union continues to expand its mobile footprint and deliver an exceptional customer experience across retail, mobile and online platforms. Furthermore, Western Union seeks to promote global economic opportunity by bridging gaps in the traditional financial services system, and strives to provide consumers with access to Western Union services any way and any time they choose.”
As of March 2014, MTN Mobile Money had more than 16 million customers in 15 countries. The service enables users to perform local and international money transfers and make utility payments and purchases. In Ivory Coast, where MTN is one of the leading operators with more than 7.5 million customers, users are now able to pay for online purchases with MTN Mobile Money.
“As an organization, MTN is committed to offering innovative services that help improve the quality of life for our customers. As a result, through this relationship, our customers in Ivory Coast will now be able to receive money from family and friends from Western Union service points around the world,” says Pieter Verkade, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer.