Airtel Money has unveiled a landmark partnership with Juba Express, a licensed international payment service provider, to launch seamless cross-border money transfer services. This new initiative is designed to expand Airtel Money’s global reach while addressing the high costs of remittances for millions of Ugandans. With this partnership, users can now easily send money across borders directly via the Airtel Money wallet, providing an affordable and efficient solution for international transfers.
According to the World Bank’s 2024 Migration and Development Brief, remittance inflows to Sub-Saharan Africa reached USD 54 billion in 2023, with Uganda receiving approximately USD 1.42 billion by January 2024. Remittances are a critical financial lifeline, supporting household expenses like education, healthcare, and small businesses. The new Airtel Money-Juba Express service directly addresses the challenges of high-cost remittances by offering low-cost, real-time international transfers with transparent forex rates. The service is accessible through Airtel Money’s USSD menu (dial 185# → Send Money → International Transfers → Juba Express).
Japeth Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money, emphasized the importance of this product launch, stating, “In an increasingly interconnected world, the need to send money across borders is more critical than ever. Whether it’s a parent paying school fees, a family member supporting loved ones, or a business making crucial payments, cross-border transactions remain the lifeblood of our global community.” Aritho further added, “Through our partnership with Juba Express, we are making international transfers faster, safer, and more affordable for our customers.”
Key Features of the Airtel Money-Juba Express Service
- Global Reach: Send money to over 120 countries, directly to wallets or bank accounts.
- Affordable Pricing: Enjoy low forex rates and transfer fees starting from UGX 120, with up to UGX 5 million per transaction.
- Instant Access: Available through USSD 185#, providing easy access to users across Uganda.
- Secure and Regulated: The service is regulated by the Bank of Uganda and powered by the licensed provider Juba Express, ensuring security and compliance.
Sitati Dawo, representative of Juba Express, spoke about the partnership’s significance for improving financial access and inclusion in Uganda: “At Juba Express, our goal has always been to connect communities through affordable, secure, and efficient money transfers. Partnering with Airtel Money allows us to extend that promise to millions of Ugandans, empowering them to support loved ones, run businesses, and access opportunities across borders with confidence and ease.”
By integrating Juba Express into its platform, Airtel Money continues to strengthen Uganda’s role as a leader in digital financial innovation. This partnership ensures that Ugandans, regardless of their location, can participate in the global economy through affordable, secure, and efficient cross-border money transfer services.
