MTN, SA's second mobile operator and global online payments company Skrill have forged a partnership that will enable global digital payments for mobile money.
MTN, Africa's largest mobile operator, announced the partnership today, saying it hoped the move would help its subscribers "take part in the global digital revolution" by enabling them to use funds in their mobile wallets to buy from global Internet brands integrated into the Skrill network.
MTN Mobile Money users in Ivory Coast and Rwanda will be first to be given the capability when the Pay by Skrill service is introduced later this month, says the operator.
Chief commercial officer at MTN, Pieter Verkade, says the company's partnership with Skrill is an important step in its journey to offering customers the ability to use mobile money for online purchases.
After Ivory Coast and Rwanda, the service will be extended to Benin and Uganda, with other markets to follow soon thereafter, says Verkade.
MTN explains that customers do not need to open a Skrill account. In order to transact online using Mobile Money, customers can go to the Web site of a Skrill merchant, select a purchase and choose the option to "Pay by Skrill".
Senior vice president of emerging markets at Skrill, Nilesh Pandya, says there are millions of consumers who want to be a part of the digital revolution, but do not have the means to pay. "Our partnership with MTN enables its 18.4 million mobile wallet customers to enjoy the benefits of digitisation that those in developed markets take for granted, and provides impetus for MTN's remaining 200 million mobile subscribers to embrace mobile payments."
Pandya says the Skrill partnership brings mobile operators and online businesses together, enabling global online brands to connect with consumers in emerging markets, and leverage the power of digital transactions.
There is no additional cost or charge for MTN Mobile Money payment when making purchases via a Skrill merchant website.
As of June 2014, MTN Mobile Money had over 18.4 million customers in 15 countries. The service enables users to perform local and international money transfers, make utility payments and purchases.
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