Econet partners Mukuru to facilitate direct money transfer

Zimbabwe’s leading mobile operator, Econet, has partnered with South Africa’s Mukuru Money Transfer (Mukuru) in a move aimed at increasing cross-border remittances.

Econet chief executive Douglas Mboweni yesterday said the partnership between Mukuru, a key player in the South African remittances space, and EcoCash, which has the largest last-mile distribution footprint in Zimbabwe, marks an important milestone which will bring significant benefits not only to companies and customers, but also to the economy.

“Remittances play a major role in our economy and in the foreseeable future we will be extending the same convenience for Zimbabweans living in other countries as we continue to innovate and bring convenience closer to our customers,” he said.

With over 6,5 million customers and a robust network of almost 30 000 agents, EcoCash’s position and ability to deliver such a remittance service is unrivalled in the market.

However, the latest development, which was facilitated and structured by Cassava, a wholly-owned financial technology (FinTech) subsidiary of the Econet Group, is expected to further consolidate EcoCash’s market leadership position and injecting the much needed liquidity into the Zimbabwe economy through inward remittances.

Cassava’s strategy for EcoCash remittances is to introduce as many options as possible for Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora to send money home in an affordable, safe, convenient and most reliable manner.

EcoCash general manager Natalie Jabangwe said the mobile money services platform, through Cassava, was consistently working towards broadening its portfolio of international remittances, including EcoCash South Africa.

“Whether we partner or go direct, our role as EcoCash is to ensure that these remittances provide a real impact on our economy in addition to sustaining the livelihoods of our customers. Therefore such unique collaborations will continue to be our major focus going into the future,” she said.

The arrangement between EcoCash and Mukuru will enable Zimbabweans in South Africa to send money directly and instantly into EcoCash wallets in Zimbabwe.

The money sent can be cashed out at any one of the EcoCash agent outlets in Zimbabwe, or used for any other service available on EcoCash such as person-to-person money transfer, pay bills or buy airtime.

In addition, senders in the Diaspora will be able to access the same EcoCash functionality currently available locally in Zimbabwe, a feature that will not only be unique, but will also result in unparalleled levels of convenience and control for the sender in terms of how they want the money used.

These are all features and benefits that were previously not unavailable to them.

Mukuru chief executive André Ferreira said his company has been the leading remitter to Zimbabwe for over a decade, focusing on making it easier for the diaspora to stay connected to the ones they love.

“When we needed to expand our reach in Zimbabwe, EcoCash with the largest last mile distribution, locally, was the obvious choice.

“The great work EcoCash has done domestically in Zimbabwe with over six million customers, will allow the Diaspora community to benefit from their nationwide coverage when sending money home with Mukuru,” he said.

Weighing in on the significance of this partnership, Mukuru’s head of marketing, Michael Cook, said his company understands the difficulties faced by many individuals who live in rural areas when they want to collect money.

“It can be a whole day affair. That is why the launch of this partnership is so exciting. When receiving money with Mukuru, no one will ever need to travel long distances again to collect it.

“In fact, the money goes straight to you, directly into your EcoCash mobile wallet, regardless of where you are. That includes places like Jerera and Binga, in a matter of seconds,” he added. Daily News