Airtel Money has partnered with Juba Express, a licensed international payment service provider, to launch seamless cross-border money transfer services accessible directly through the Airtel Money wallet. The move is aimed at expanding global reach while reducing the cost of remittances for millions of Ugandans.
The new service allows Airtel Money users to make low-cost, real-time international transfers with transparent forex rates, easily accessible via the USSD menu by dialing 185# and navigating to “Send Money → International Transfers → Juba Express.”
Speaking at the launch, Japeth Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “In an increasingly interconnected world, the need to send money across borders is more critical than ever. Whether it’s parents paying school fees, families supporting loved ones, or businesses making crucial payments, cross-border transactions are the lifeblood of our global community,” he said. “Through our partnership with Juba Express, Airtel Money is making international transfers faster, safer, and more affordable for our customers.”
The service offers users instant and secure transfers to over 120 countries, with fees starting from Shs 120 and a maximum transfer limit of Shs 5 million per transaction. Powered by Juba Express and regulated by the Bank of Uganda, the service is designed to deliver reliability, transparency, and convenience for users.
Sitati Dawo from Juba Express hailed the collaboration as a key step in improving financial access. “Partnering with Airtel Money allows us to extend our mission of providing affordable, secure, and efficient money transfers to millions of Ugandans, enabling them to support families, run businesses, and seize opportunities across borders,” he said.
With this partnership, Airtel Money continues to reinforce Uganda’s position as a leader in digital financial innovation, ensuring that Ugandans can participate fully in the global economy regardless of location.
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 receiving approximately USD 1.2 billion, a figure that grew to USD 1.42 billion by January 2024. Remittances remain a critical economic lifeline, supporting household expenses such as education, healthcare, and small business investments.