Airtel Money customers can now send and receive money in major African countries through a partnership with Mastercard.

Airtel Money CEO Ian Ferraro says the service covers 14 African states, such as Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

However, Ferraro 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.”

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.

“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.