NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Airtel Rwanda and Tigo Rwanda, a subsidiary of Millicom, have announced a partnership to pilot interoperability between their two mobile money transfer service platforms.

This collaboration will allow Airtel Money and Tigo Cash subscribers to send and receive money directly into their mobile wallets without use of vouchers.

Tano Oware, Acting Chief Executive Officer for Airtel Rwanda said; “As facilitators at the forefront for mobile-commerce in Rwanda, Airtel is pleased to join hands with Tigo to provide our customers with an interoperability option that would allow them access to transact easily using our mobile money transfer services. This further brings to light our determination to ensure that we achieve Rwanda’s agenda of cashless economy.”

Interoperability in Rwanda’s mobile money sector is aimed at fostering financial inclusion thus increasing the velocity on money in our financial ecosystem.

Adding to the development; Tongai Maramba, Chief Executive Officer, Tigo Rwanda, expressed:  “Getting access to financial services via the mobile phone can make a massive difference to people’s lives. I am delighted that we have delivered Interoperability with Airtel. With this, we underline our commitment to drive financial inclusion and join forces with The Government of Rwanda in the journey towards reduced reliance on cash. On lighter note, I am excited that I will finally be able to send money to Mr. Tano’s Airtel Money account without resorting to cash.”

Commenting on the partnership between the two telcos, Gregory Reeve, General Manager for Tigo MFS added “with this advancement, Rwanda becomes the second market in Africa to launch interoperability after Tanzania. Connecting systems together is a key driver of financial inclusion and access for the people in Rwanda and Millicom is committed to this cause.”