Mukuru, EcoCash simplifiy money transfers to Zimbabwe
Mukuru has partnered with EcoCash, a Zimbabwean mobile money provider, to offer a quick and easy way of sending money to Zimbabwe. The partnership was facilitated and structured by Cassava, a wholly-owned financial technology (FinTech) subsidiary of the Econet Group.
Mukuru customers in South Africa can now send money instantly into their recipient’s EcoCash mobile wallet anywhere in Zimbabwe. They simply need to dial *130*567# and select the EcoCash collection method when transferring money with Mukuru. Once payment is made the money is transferred instantly into the recipient’s EcoCash mobile wallet. The recipient can then pay bills, buy airtime or send money to another person locally. Recipients can also cash out at almost 30,000 EcoCash agent across Zimbabwe.
Mukuru’s CEO, André Ferreira, said, “Mukuru 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 6 million customers, will allow the diaspora community to benefit from their nationwide coverage when sending money home with Mukuru.”
Commenting on the benefits of the partnership, Mukuru’s Head of Marketing, Michael Cook, said, “We know that many individuals who live in rural areas go through a lot 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 again to collect it. In fact, the money goes straight to you, directly into your EcoCash mobile wallet, regardless of where you are.”
Econet Wireless CEO Mr Douglas Mboweni said, “We are excited about our new partnership with Mukuru. 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.”
