Airtel Money users in Kenya can now make purchases on Google Play without incurring any transaction fees. This new feature allows users to buy apps, games, and other digital content directly through their Airtel Money wallets, providing a convenient and cost-free payment option.
This integration enables users in Kenya to buy digital products with their Airtel Money wallets and eliminates the need for a bank card or international wallet.
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Enhancing digital accessibility with Airtel money
dLocal, a leading cross-border payment platform, facilitates the partnership between Airtel Money and Google. dLocal has enabled Airtel Mobile Money as a payment option for Google Play, supporting Google’s goal of expanding digital accessibility in Kenya. This move reinforces Google’s commitment to providing localised solutions that meet users’ needs in emerging markets.
Airtel Mobile Money has been instrumental in Kenya’s high mobile money penetration rate, with over 31.5 million accounts representing nearly 80 per cent of the adult population. This integration positions Airtel Money as the only mobile wallet currently integrated with the Google Play Store in Kenya, offering users a convenient and cost-effective way to purchase digital content.
Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, Managing Director at Airtel Money Kenya, described the collaboration as “an exciting launch” that underscores Airtel Money’s role as a “trusted, reliable, and innovative payment platform.” She added, “This collaboration underscores Airtel Money’s expanding presence in the payments space, offering customers even more versatile services at an international scale”.
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Kevin McDaid, Google’s EMEA Payment Partnerships representative, noted, “This integration underscores Google’s commitment to providing accessible, localised solutions.”
John O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer at dLocal, highlighted the partnership’s focus on promoting financial inclusion and empowering users in emerging markets by enabling access to tailored payment solutions.
A notable aspect of this partnership is the absence of transaction fees for users making purchases through Google Play using Airtel Money. This zero-fee structure enhances the value proposition for users, particularly those who rely heavily on mobile money for online payments. The integration is expected to improve convenience for users, especially those without debit or credit cards, and facilitate easier monetisation for developers in Kenya.