The service covers 14 African states, such as Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, and Malawi.

Others are Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

However, the telco said that the service will be rolled out in phases.

“At Airtel Africa, we are deeply committed to transforming the lives of our customers through innovative and accessible financial solutions, and this partnership is a significant step towards that goal,” Airtel Money CEO Ian Ferraro announced.

On his part, Mastercard’s vice president for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Ngozi Megwa, stressed the significance of the digital economy in the growth of livelihoods through remittances.

“As a global technology company with a long history in Africa, Mastercard is committed to the continent’s growth and connecting its people to convenient digital solutions that will enable a more financially inclusive future for all,” he said.

According to its estimates, an estimated $95.6 billion annually flows into the continent, making remittances a major source of foreign currency on the continent.