From MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
HARARE – EcoCash customers in Zimbabwe can now receive money from South Africa directly into their mobile wallets to pay for bills, goods and other services without having to travel long distances to access their money.
This follows a partnership sealed by Econet Wireless and business-to-business (B2B) cross-border mobile payments network, TransferTo.
Cassava International, the Fintech arm for the Econet Wireless Group brokered the deal.
Additional partnerships will be gradually announced in 2017.
Eric Barbier, Chief Executive Officer of TransferTo, said more than ever, Zimbabwe needs to digitise money and use mobile money for services.
“Sending money home to your families and loved ones should be as simple as an SMS. Zimbabweans working and living overseas can now send money to their loved ones cheaply, securely and immediately into EcoCash wallets,” said Barbier.
South Africa, USA and UK represent the top remittance corridors to Zimbabwe.
EcoCash General Manager, Natalie Jabangwe, said by innovating and partnering in mobile financial services, they had been able to answer Zimbabwe’s needs in extending financial inclusion, digitising cash and bridging cross-border payments.
“We look forward to a successful partnership with TransferTo in facilitating digital remittances to alleviate the challenges of our economy,” she said.
Econet Wireless CEO, Douglas Mboweni said the importance of remittances to the development of Zimbabwe could not be over emphasised.
“We are excited about our partnership with TransferTo. With this partnership, we are bringing convenience and choice to Zimbabweans living in South Africa to send money home,” said Mboweni.
– Guardian