Trade between Kenya and Uganda received a major boost on Monday after Safaricom and MTN Uganda signed a partnership deal that will allow money transfers on their networks.
MTN’s Mobile Financial Services (MFS) Africa’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Dare Okoudjou termed the new development as a cashless revolution that will unlock not only intra-African remittances but also serve as a catalyst for trade and economic growth in the region.
Safaricom’s Financial Services Director Ms Betty Mwangi said the deal affirmed her company’s intention of enabling East Africans to ‘go’ cashless as they carry out their cross-border activities in line with the no visa that allows free flow of goods and services.
NORMAL CHARGE Monday’s deal now enables a four-nation cashless service powered by Safaricom, Tanzania’s Vodacom, and Rwanda’s MTN which had earlier signed partnership deals with MPESA early in the year.
The Kenya-Uganda deal will enable Safaricom’s 21 million and MTN’s five million customers to enjoy services via the two networks at normal charges.
Mobile Financial services General Manager Phrase Lubega said customers would be able to deposit and withdraw money at any MTN or Safaricom agent.
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