Sending money across African borders is getting faster, simpler, and more reliable. Airtel Money Africa, the mobile money arm of Airtel Africa, has expanded its partnership with pawaPay, one of the continent’s leading mobile money payment service providers, to power instant international remittances in seven key markets.

Where It’s Happening

The service is now live in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, and Tanzania, with more Airtel Money markets expected to join in the coming months.

Why It Matters

Remittances are more than just transactions; they support millions of people’s education, healthcare, small company growth, and daily existence. This cooperation enables licensed International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to instantly transmit funds to over 161 million Airtel Money wallets.

The Tech Behind It

The service runs on pawaPay’s proven infrastructure, which handles over 4 million transactions every day with 99.9% uptime. Airtel Money and pawaPay have already spent five years working together on domestic mobile money services; this expansion takes that trust and tech global.

What They’re Saying

“This integration delivers secure, real-time payments that help drive financial inclusion and economic growth,” said Ian Ferrao, CEO of Airtel Money Africa.

“Remittances keep families connected and businesses running — now they’re faster, simpler, and more secure than ever,” added Nikolai Barnwell, CEO of pawaPay.

The Bigger Picture

As Africa’s digital economy grows, reliable mobile money infrastructure will be critical. This collaboration shows how fintech partnerships can bridge gaps, making cross-border money movement smoother for everyday users and entrepreneurs alike