Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya are set to benefit from expanded digital payment options following Airtel and Absa Kenya’s new partnership aimed at improving convenience, speed, and reliability in business transactions.
The newly launched service allows customers to transfer funds directly from Airtel Money wallets into Absa Bank Kenya accounts and make payments to Absa merchant paybill accounts, offering businesses a more seamless way to manage cash flows using mobile phones.
Enhancing Convenience for SMEs
The partnership is designed to simplify everyday transactions such as business payments, bill settlements, and fund transfers, particularly for SMEs operating in rural and underserved areas where mobile money remains the most accessible financial tool.
Airtel Money Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno said the collaboration addresses long-standing challenges in digital payments by offering simple, fast, and reliable solutions for customers.
“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,” she said.
She added that the partnership supports the growth of small businesses by making digital payments more efficient for everyday use.
Airtel Money and Absa Bank Kenya Partner to Enhance Digital Payments for SMEs
Cashback Incentives for Customers
As part of the new integration, Airtel Money customers will also enjoy up to 100 per cent guaranteed cashback as airtime on all paybill payments, further encouraging the adoption of digital transactions.
The service is designed to support both personal and business use, giving customers more flexibility in managing payments and financial operations.
Absa Focuses on SME Growth
Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D’Souza said SMEs are increasingly looking for more than traditional banking services and need ecosystems that help them operate faster and remain competitive.
“As a growth partner for our customers, we get to champion the kind of innovation that fundamentally shifts how businesses operate,” said Renato.
He noted that the partnership gives entrepreneurs more control, choice, and efficiency in managing their cash flows while unlocking the full potential of digital payments.
How Customers Can Access the Service
Customers can complete merchant transactions by dialling *334# through the Airtel Money USSD menu or via the My Airtel App.
Users are required to select Airtel paybill on the Airtel Money menu and enter Absa paybill number 303030, followed by the Absa Bank account number or merchant short code.