M-PESA Global: Best Option to Make and Receive Payments Globally

Safaricom Plc has launched M-PESA Global, a first-of-its-kind service that allows all M-PESA customers to send money to virtually anyone worldwide.

This can be done through various channels, including direct transfers into bank accounts and pick-ups at over 500,000 Western Union agent locations.

M-PESA Global enables customers to make and receive payments from over 200 million PayPal customers across 200 global markets.

According to Safaricom’s Chief Financial Services Officer, Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, M-PESA Global aims to connect Kenyans to global opportunities by facilitating seamless transactions between Kenyans and the rest of the world.

Sylvia Mulinge stated during the launch that M-PESA Global empowers Kenyan entrepreneurs by providing instant access to global opportunities. It eliminates the hassle of finding foreign exchange, allowing users to focus on what truly matters.

“M-PESA Global similarly empowers Kenyan entrepreneurs to instantly access opportunities anywhere in the world. It allows you to focus on what matters. It takes away the hassle of grappling with where to find forex.” said Sylvia Mulinge during the launch.

Western Union Global Money Transfer President Odilon Almeida said, “It will become a model for opening a world of global connectivity and economic opportunity for emerging as well as developed economies.” 

Customers can access the new service by dialling *840# or by selecting “M-PESA Global” under the M-PESA menu on mySafaricomApp.

Transfers through bank accounts to the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Germany will also be available immediately, with services to bank accounts in other countries being rolled out in the coming weeks.
M-PESA Global partners available on the platform include World Remit and HomeSend.