MTN Strengthens Financial Inclusion Through Global Partnerships

Financial inclusion is becoming a cornerstone of economic development in emerging markets, and pan-African telecom operator MTN is at the forefront of this movement. Two recent initiatives highlight MTN’s commitment to enhancing digital financial solutions in developing regions, focusing on cross-border payments and financial health initiatives.

MTN and Thunes Facilitate Instant International Money Transfers

MTN’s Nigerian fintech subsidiary, MoMo PSB, has partnered with global payment infrastructure provider Thunes to enable instant international money transfers for millions of Nigerians. This collaboration connects MoMo users to Thunes’ Direct Global Network, allowing seamless money transfers from key global markets such as the USA, UK, Canada, and France, among others. Through the partnership, MoMo customers can not only receive funds instantly but also use them to meet everyday needs like payments, e-commerce, and remittances, thus contributing to financial inclusion and economic activity.

Thunes’ Direct Global Network, which integrates with local wallets, neobanks, and financial institutions, ensures secure, real-time cross-border money transactions. By becoming a member of this network, MoMo expands its reach within Nigeria while strengthening its global remittance corridors. This initiative also supports Nigeria’s growing digital economy, a key driver in addressing financial exclusion in the region.

Global Financial Health Coalition: A Step Forward

In addition to its partnership with Thunes, MTN Group Fintech – the name behind MoMo and Africa’s largest fintech platform – has joined the newly launched Global Financial Health Coalition. This coalition comprises a diverse network of financial institutions, NGOs, telecom operators, wallet providers, and other stakeholders. Together, they aim to move beyond basic access to financial services by focusing on overall financial health and resilience for underserved populations and micro-businesses.

Launched at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Kuala Lumpur, this initiative underscores the importance of sustainable financial well-being. Mastercard, one of the coalition’s key drivers, emphasizes the need for individuals to be not just connected to but actively empowered by the digital economy. With tools, trust, and resources, billions of underbanked and unbanked individuals can improve their financial resilience while participating in the global economy. Joining this coalition aligns with MTN’s vision of bridging the digital divide and empowering African communities.

The Wider Impact on Emerging Markets

MTN’s initiatives serve as a model for harnessing the power of technology to drive financial inclusion on the African continent and beyond. By collaborating with global payment platforms like Thunes and participating in the Global Financial Health Coalition, MTN amplifies its influence across international remittance networks and financial ecosystems. Initiatives like these are critical in regions where access to banking services remains a barrier to economic growth.

Moreover, these developments reflect a broader shift toward public-private partnerships in addressing financial inequality. MTN’s efforts demonstrate that innovative financial solutions are not only fostering inclusion but are also integral to accelerating economic development in the world’s emerging markets. From enabling instant international transfers to participating in global coalitions, MTN remains a leader in digital finance transformation.