Airtel Money and JUBA Express Launch World-First USSD for Global Money Transfers

JUBA Express, a leading fintech and remittance provider in Uganda with operations spanning over 120 countries, has announced a strategic partnership with AIRTEL Money, Africa’s leading telecommunications and mobile payments giant, to launch a revolutionary cross-border remittance and payments solution that puts simplicity, affordability, and inclusion at it’s core.

For the first time, Ugandans can send money to more than 100 countries across all continents- including major regional corridors such as Kenya – directly from their mobile phone without internet connectivity or airtime.

The new service, powered through a simple USSD code *185*1*4#, eliminates the barriers that have long limited cross-border transactions for millions of individuals and small businesses, especially in areas with limited data access or smartphone penetration.

Mr. Japhet Aritho, the Airtel Money Director stated “Through our partnership with Juba Express, we are taking Airtel Money beyond our borders, making international transfers faster, safer, and more affordable for our customers.”

Mr. Hassan Abdalla the Juba Express Country Director reiterated,” this partnership with Airtel Money marks a major leap forward for financial inclusion and customer centric product development.

Unlike many remittance platforms that rely on multiple aggregated partnerships, JUBA Express’s system operates on a proprietary infrastructure supported by its physical last-mile networks in destination countries.

This allows JUBA Express to deliver unmatched efficiency, transparency, and speed while maintaining direct control over the security and cost of every transaction.  According to Mr. Sitati Dawo the Innovations and Markets Lead at Juba Express said “this nifty solution is built on the principles of simplicity, affordability and accessibility. With

USSD technology, anyone with a basic phone can now access secure, affordable, and instant international transfers to mobile, bank transfers and cash pick up to over one hundred destinations outside Uganda — democratizing access as well as empowering families, traders, and communities across Uganda and beyond, including neighboring Kenya, where cross-border trade and family support networks continue to grow.”

The introduction of this *185*1*4# USSD-powered international remittance solution places Uganda at the forefront of Africa’s fintech innovation landscape, showcasing a homegrown technology use case that addresses real-world connectivity challenges and promotes inclusive growth.

The solution also strengthens regional financial connectivity, particularly with Kenya- one of East Africa’s most dynamic mobile money and remittance markets. 

JUBA Express’ investment in locally engineered financial ecosystems underscores its commitment to creating solutions that drive economic resilience and social impact.

“As technology becomes more complex, we believe in returning to the essence of true innovation— making life easier for people,” added Mr. Sitati. “This launch reaffirms Uganda’s position as a hub for smart, accessible, and globally competitive fintech solutions.”

The service rollout begins immediately, with nationwide awareness campaigns and user onboarding activities scheduled in partnership with Airtel Money. For Ugandans with relatives, friends, or business ties abroad, the future of instant cross-border payments has never been closer or simpler.