Airtel partners with pawaPay to boost remittances across Africa

By Charles Pensulo, ITWeb Africa correspondent
Johannesburg, 13 Aug 2025
Airtel Money Africa CEO Ian Ferrao.
Airtel Money Africa CEO Ian Ferrao.

A recent extended partnership between pawaPay, an African mobile money payment aggregator, and Airtel Africa aims to speed up transactions for Malawians receiving money abroad, according to the two firms.

The arrangement is also expected to benefit more key Airtel Africa markets, the telco has footprint in 14 African countries.

Airtel Money Africa - Airtel Africa’s subsidiary - said the arrangement will enable seamless cross-border payments for licensed international money transfer operators.

In Malawi, millions of Airtel Money subscribers will be able to receive money from abroad directly into their Airtel Money wallets.

The companies assert that this will make it easier and faster for Malawian families, students, and businesses to receive foreign transfers without having to visit physical branches or agents.

According to its 2024 financial report, Airtel Malawi has a user base of 7.6 million.

Mobile money transactions, a lifeline for the majority, including those who have difficulty accessing banking institutions, have been touted as a route to financial inclusion, particularly in Africa and Malawi.

Airtel Money Africa CEO, Ian Ferrao, said: “We’re pleased to expand our partnership with pawaPay to advance international remittances across Africa. Their proven reliability and commitment to African consumers make them an ideal partner.

“This integration empowers international money transfer operators to securely connect with Airtel Money’s growing footprint, delivering real-time payments that support financial inclusion and economic growth.”

Share

Read more


ITWeb proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to enquiries@ombudsman.org.za. Contact the Press Council on 011 484 3612.
Copyright @ 1996 - 2025 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved.