Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya now have more options to receive and manage digital payments following the launch of a new service that enables direct transfers from Airtel Money wallets into Absa Bank Kenya accounts and payments to Absa merchant paybill accounts.
The partnership enhances convenience, speed, and reliability for everyday transactions, including business payments, bill settlements, and seamless fund transfers using mobile phones.
“At Airtel Money, we believe in fostering collaborative digital partnerships that help power the economy, meeting the needs of customers in rural and underserved areas where mobile money remains the most accessible financial tool. As customers increasingly demand payment solutions that are simple, fast, and reliable, this partnership addresses the long-standing friction points in digital payments, supporting the growth of small businesses and making digital payments work better for everyday life,” said Airtel Money MD Anne Kinuthia-Otieno.
This integration is designed to support both personal and business use and will also see Airtel Money customers enjoy up to 100% per cent guaranteed cashback as airtime on all paybill payments.
Speaking during the partnership agreement signing, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director, Renato D’Souza, said the bank understands the need for convenience for SMEs, which saves the businesses time to focus on what really matters to them.
“As a growth partner for our customers, we get to champion the kind of innovation that fundamentally shifts how businesses operate. Today’s SMEs are not just looking for banking services; they’re looking for ecosystems that help them move faster, stay agile, and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Our partnership with Airtel is a powerful step in that direction,” Renato said.
He added: “By enabling seamless transfers from Airtel Money wallets into Absa accounts and simplifying payments to Absa merchant paybill numbers, we are giving entrepreneurs more control, more choice, and more efficiency in how they manage their cashflows. This is about unlocking the full potential of digital payments for SMEs across Kenya and ensuring they have the tools to grow with confidence in a rapidly evolving economy.”
Customers can make merchant transactions through the Airtel Money USSD menu by dialing *334# or via the My Airtel App by selecting Airtel paybill on the Airtel Money menu and entering Absa paybill number 303030, followed by the Absa Bank account number or merchant short code.
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