Airtel Money and Sasai Join Forces to Expand Free Remittance Services in Uganda and Africa

Sasai Money Transfer, part of Cassava Technologies and recognized as one of the fastest-growing international money transfer operators, has announced a strategic partnership with Airtel Money to broaden its groundbreaking initiative of offering free remittances. Initially launched in Zimbabwe in May 2024 in collaboration with Econet, this zero-fee service will now be extended to Uganda, with plans to reach other high-traffic remittance markets such as Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia in the near future.

This initiative aims to eliminate remittance sending fees for Sasai Money Transfer users based in the United Kingdom and South Africa who are sending money to their families and friends in Uganda. This move is part of a broader effort to provide an end-to-end customer proposition that delivers significant benefits, including improved access and affordability for both senders and receivers.

In the African context, informal remittances are still prevalent, often exceeding the volume of formal remittances processed through official channels. This high level of informality poses a risk for African migrants, who frequently lose their hard-earned money to untrustworthy intermediaries. Sasai Money Transfer and Airtel Money are tackling this issue by advancing digital and formalized remittance solutions, aiming to close the gap between formal and informal money transfers and ensuring that no one is excluded from these essential financial services.

Mr. Japhet Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, emphasized that this partnership aligns with Airtel Money's commitment to financial inclusivity for all Ugandans. He highlighted the added value of this offer, which is part of a broader consumer promotion called "Vroomula Amajja," where customers can win daily cash prizes, weekly Boda-Boda prizes, and even a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid by receiving remittances into their Airtel Money wallet.

The initial zero-fee offering by Sasai Money Transfer, in partnership with EcoCash—Zimbabwe's largest mobile money operator—has been highly successful. This offer has been well-received by senders in the UK and South Africa, who have found relief from the often high remittance fees prevalent in the market. Many users have described the initiative as an "indispensable lifeline" for families in their home countries.

Darlington Mandivenga, CEO of Sasai Fintech, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Airtel Money Uganda. He noted that this collaboration opens a significant gateway into one of Africa’s largest remittance markets. Mandivenga underscored Sasai’s commitment to reaching as many people as possible, leveraging their operational efficiencies and synergies within the group, and working with like-minded partners such as Airtel Money to provide innovative financial solutions.

The zero-fee initiative by Sasai Money Transfer represents a pioneering effort in the remittances industry. It highlights the potential for collaboration between money transfer operators and mobile money providers to achieve a common goal of making money transfer services more affordable. 

With remittance fees often reaching as high as 13%, the Sasai Money Transfer and Airtel Money partnership represents a groundbreaking shift in the industry. By eliminating these fees, the initiative has the potential to significantly contribute to the formalization of international money transfers. This shift is crucial for moving a substantial portion of remittance transactions away from informal and often unreliable channels, which can expose migrants to risks of losing their funds and engaging with unscrupulous intermediaries. The zero-fee model not only makes remittances more affordable but also encourages greater transparency and security in the remittance process, aligning with the broader goal of enhancing financial inclusion and formalizing financial services across Africa.