Airtel Money has today announced a landmark partnership with Juba Express, a licensed international payment service provider, to launch instant, low-cost cross-border money transfers directly through the Airtel Money wallet. This initiative significantly expands global reach while addressing the high cost of remittances for millions of Ugandans.
According to the World Bank’s 2024 Migration and Development Brief, remittance inflows to Sub-Saharan Africa reached USD 54 billion in 2023, with Uganda alone receiving around USD 1.2 billion, growing to USD 1.42 billion by January 2024. These funds are crucial for household expenses such as education, healthcare, and small business investments.
The new Airtel Money–Juba Express service tackles these challenges by offering low-cost, real-time international transfers with transparent forex rates, accessible through Airtel Money’s USSD menu: Dial 185# → Send Money → International Transfers → Juba Express.
Speaking at the launch, Japeth Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money, said: “In an increasingly interconnected world, sending money across borders is more critical than ever. Whether it’s a parent paying school fees, a family member supporting loved ones, or a business making crucial payments, cross-border transactions remain the lifeblood of our global community. Through our partnership with Juba Express, we are taking Airtel Money beyond our borders, making international transfers faster, safer, and more affordable for our customers.”
Key features of the service include: Global Reach: Send money to over 120 countries directly to any wallet or bank account. Affordable Pricing: Low forex rates and transfer fees starting from UGX 120, with up to UGX 5 million per transaction. Instant Access: Simple USSD access via 185#. Secure and Regulated: Backed by Airtel Money, regulated by the Bank of Uganda, and powered by licensed provider Juba Express.
Sitati Dawo of Juba Express emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “At Juba Express, our goal is to connect communities through affordable, secure, and efficient money transfers. Partnering with Airtel Money allows us to extend that promise to millions of Ugandans, empowering them to support loved ones, run businesses, and access opportunities across borders with confidence.”
