Airtel Mobile Commerce Rwanda Ltd has announced the launch of its Open API Platform, which will allow developers and organisations to easily access and integrate Airtel Money APIs, allowing them to embed Airtel Money into their platforms to collect and disburse payments.

Airtel Money API, (Application Programming Interface), will enable e-commerce businesses to seamlessly manage payments. It intends to make transactions faster and more secure.

Speaking at the launch which took place at Norrsken, the biggest hub for startups in East Africa, Jean-Claude Gaga, the Managing Director of Airtel Money said that the platform was open to all developers across Rwanda.

"This innovation serves to contribute to the Government of Rwanda’s efforts to turn Rwanda into a cashless economy with 100% financial inclusion…this is also a first but not last step in our focus on supporting startups to grow through Partnerships with us.”

Alex Ntale, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda ICT Chamber at the Private Sector Federation, called upon startups to leverage the opportunity. 

"Sometimes, apps are done and clients are ready, but what is left is to find an efficient medium of transaction for these startups. Fintechs are no longer the future but the present, so Airtel’s move is more than timely for us,” he added. 

To access the Airtel Money APIs, developers and organizations can visit: https://developers.airtel.africa/home and follow the prompts. Or contact the Airtel Money Support team at amopen.api@rw.airtel.com, in case of any queries.

The registration is free and open for all interested developers. Transaction fees are discussed once they go live.

"This not only makes it easier for our Airtel clients, but also it is faster, easy to access and has a lower maintenance cost,” said Aline Uwamahoro, Manager strategy and Partnerships at Yego company, which offers digitally-facilitated transport.  

This launch marked the end of the Airtel Money month which kicked off on July 1, with the launch of the communication of the recently launched interoperability between Airtel Money and MTN MoMo. 

It was also followed by other different activities during the course of the month which were aimed at showcasing the many innovations and services Airtel Money has been offering to its customers.