Sasai Money Transfer Expands Zero Fees Initiative Across Africa Through Partnership with Airtel Money

Introduction

Pan-African money transfer operator, Sasai Money Transfer, has announced a strategic partnership with Airtel Money, aimed at expanding its Zero Fees Initiative across several African countries. This collaboration will begin with Uganda and extend to other key markets including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. The move is part of Sasai’s broader vision to make international money transfers more accessible and affordable across the continent.

The Zero Fees Initiative: A Revolutionary Approach to Remittances

In an industry where international money transfer fees can reach up to 13%, Sasai's Zero Fees Initiative is a groundbreaking effort to reduce costs for African migrants sending money home. This initiative seeks to formalize the remittance process, which has traditionally been dominated by unsafe and unreliable informal channels. By offering zero fees on money transfers, Sasai is setting a new standard in the industry, marking a significant milestone as a Money Transfer Operator (MTO) that effectively collaborates with Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) to achieve a common goal.

Expanding Into Uganda: A Key Market for Remittances

The partnership with Airtel Money is particularly significant as it offers Sasai a vital entry point into Uganda, one of Africa’s largest remittance markets. According to Darlington Mandivenga, CEO of Sasai Fintech, the collaboration with Airtel Money is a strategic move to ensure that their services reach as many people as possible across the continent. “As Sasai, this is where we want to be, ensuring we reach as many people as possible and ultimately leave no African behind,” Mandivenga said. This expansion underscores Sasai’s commitment to leveraging its operational efficiencies and group synergies to deliver innovative and accessible financial solutions.

Addressing the Challenge of Informal Remittances in Africa

In many African countries, informal remittances still dominate, often surpassing the volume of formal transfers through official channels. This informality poses significant risks for migrants, who may lose their hard-earned money to unscrupulous intermediaries. Sasai’s Zero Fees Initiative directly addresses this issue by eliminating remittance sending fees for users in the United Kingdom and South Africa who send money to Uganda. This ensures that recipients in Uganda and other African markets can cash out their funds for free from their Airtel Money wallets, providing a secure and affordable alternative to informal channels.

Success in Zimbabwe and Future Expansion

The Zero Fees Initiative was first launched in May 2024 in partnership with Econet in Zimbabwe, where it quickly gained popularity. The collaboration with EcoCash, Zimbabwe’s largest mobile money operator, has been described as an “indispensable lifeline” for families who rely on remittances from abroad. Building on this success, Sasai is now expanding the initiative to Uganda through its partnership with Airtel Money. The initiative will soon be extended to other high-traffic Airtel markets, including Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia.

A Commitment to Financial Inclusion

The partnership with Airtel Money aligns with Sasai’s broader mission of fostering a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind. By digitizing and formalizing remittances, Sasai aims to close the gap between formal and informal money transfers, ensuring that all Africans have access to essential financial services. The Managing Director of Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, Japhet Aritho, emphasized the value this partnership brings to their customers, particularly in conjunction with Airtel’s ongoing consumer promotion, which offers customers the chance to win various prizes by receiving remittances into their Airtel Money wallets.

The Future of Affordable Remittances in Africa

As Sasai Money Transfer continues to expand its Zero Fees Initiative across Africa, it is paving the way for a more inclusive and affordable financial ecosystem on the continent. The partnership with Airtel Money represents a significant step toward achieving this vision, offering a model that could be replicated across other African countries. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, Sasai is leading the charge in transforming the remittance landscape, providing a crucial service that empowers African migrants and their families.