Nairobi-based BitPesa is in discussions with multiple banks and network operators in Kenya over partnerships that could allow the mass introduction of Bitcoin remittance payments into the East African country. The startup, which is still in discussions with regulators and will not launch until approval is granted, was thought up by micro-finance and cryptocurrency expert
The Central Bank of Kenya conducts a survey on remittance inflows every month through the formal channels that include commercial banks and other authorised international remittances service providers in Kenya. A remittance is money sent by a person in a foreign land to his or her home country. Due to the huge sums involved, remittances
TawiPay, a startup based in Switzerland, is tackling the excessive fees incurred by migrants sending money overseas. Latest World Bank data show for example that Sub-Saharan African overseas workers pay an average of 12% in fees . A fair transfer fee of 5%, proposed by independent organizations , would result in an additional US $3
The global African diaspora currently consists of more than 30 million individuals. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) estimates that these migrants jointly contribute about US$40 billion annually in remittances to their families and communities in Africa. With this potential in perspective, Diamond Trust Bank, in association with the Nation Media Group (NMG), has
In a bid to strengthen its dominance of international money transfer and give its customers wide range of options, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) has partnered with Trans-Fast Remittance LLC, a global money transfer company and owner of Trans-Fast money transfer brand, to provide money transfer services to families and friends through the over 700 branches of
Aftab Currency Exchange, a remittance and foreign exchange brand with a presence in three continents, has strengthened its bonds with Airtel Communications, a leader in global payments services to extend joint operations in Kenya and Nigeria. Aftab Currency has taken another initiative with Fidelity Bank with an active network of 173 branches across Nigeria to
