Airtel Money has inked a game-changing partnership with Juba Express, a licensed international payment service provider. This collaboration launches seamless cross-border money transfer services straight from the Airtel Money wallet, slashing costs and barriers for remittances that fuel everything from school fees to small business dreams.
For millions of Ugandans relying on these vital inflows—think parents wiring cash for medical bills or entrepreneurs funding inventory—this is a lifeline to the global economy, accessible via a simple USSD dial (*185#). With Uganda’s remittance pot swelling amid economic headwinds, this partnership couldn’t come at a better time, positioning Airtel as a frontrunner in Africa’s digital finance race.
Instant, borderless transfers at your fingertips
At its core, the Airtel Money-Juba Express service is all about stripping away the friction from international money movement. Users can now send funds to over 120 countries, landing directly in recipients’ wallets or bank accounts, with transfers zipping through in real-time. No more waiting days for cash to clear or navigating clunky apps that demand spotty internet.
Key highlights include:
- Low-Cost Structure: Forex rates are transparent and competitive, with transfer fees kicking off at just UGX 120 per transaction. That’s a fraction of traditional remittance fees, and users can move up to UGX 5 million in a single go.
- Effortless Access: Dial *185#, navigate to “Send Money” > “International Transfers” > “Juba Express,” and you’re off—no smartphone required. This USSD simplicity is a boon in rural Uganda, where mobile penetration hovers around 70% but data access lags.
- Security First: Regulated by the Bank of Uganda and powered by Juba Express’s licensed infrastructure, the service layers on encryption and fraud detection to keep funds safe from the get-go.
This isn’t Airtel’s first rodeo in expanding its mobile money empire—Airtel Money already boasts over 45 million users across its markets—but integrating Juba Express catapults it into the big leagues of global fintech. Early adopters report transfers completing in under 60 seconds, a stark contrast to the multi-day delays plaguing legacy systems.
What they say
At the virtual product unveiling in Kampala, Airtel Money’s Managing Director, Mr. Japeth Aritho, didn’t mince words on the human stakes at play.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, the need to send 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,” Aritho stated. He added, “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.”
Aritho’s optimism underscores Airtel’s broader mission: democratizing finance in a country where 70% of adults remain unbanked, per recent Bank of Uganda stats. His remarks echo the company’s aggressive 2025 expansion, including API integrations for cashless ecosystems and even tax payment gateways.
On the partner side, Mr. Sitati Dawo, a key voice from Juba Express, emphasized the inclusive ripple effects. “At Juba Express, our goal has always been to connect communities through affordable, secure, and efficient money transfers,” Sitati said. “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 and ease.”
