This alliance delivers real-time global money transfers, affordable and transparent pricing, and a seamless mobile experience.
Absa Group, one of Africa’s leading financial services providers, has introduced a new digital money transfer solution in collaboration with Thunes, a global payments infrastructure company. The initiative, called Absa Global Pay, aims to make international money transfers faster, simpler, and more affordable for millions of customers across Africa who rely on cross-border remittances.
In many parts of Africa, international money transfers play a critical role in everyday life. Families depend on these payments to cover essential needs such as education, healthcare, and household expenses, while small businesses often rely on them to maintain operations and expand opportunities. Recognizing this growing demand, Absa and Thunes have joined forces to deliver a modern remittance experience that prioritizes speed, transparency, and convenience.
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The new solution combines Absa’s strong banking presence across the African continent with Thunes’ advanced Direct Global Network, which is designed to move funds quickly and securely around the world. Through this partnership, customers can now send money internationally directly from the Absa Banking App or through Connected Banking, the bank’s online platform. The process has been designed to be straightforward and intuitive, allowing users to complete transactions with just a few steps.
One of the key advantages of Absa Global Pay is its ability to settle transactions instantly in several international markets. The service supports transfers to 18 countries overall, with six markets included in the first phase of the rollout: the United Kingdom, Kenya, India, Malawi, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe. This initial launch reflects a strategic focus on regions with strong financial and family connections to African communities.
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Customers using Absa Global Pay can also choose from multiple receiving options, which adds flexibility to the process. Funds can be delivered directly into bank accounts, sent to mobile wallets, or collected from authorized cash pickup locations. Throughout the transaction journey, users receive real-time notifications and have complete visibility over the progress of their transfers. This transparency helps build confidence and ensures customers always know where their money is and when it will arrive.
Another major focus of the partnership is affordability. Cross-border remittance services often involve high fees and complex pricing structures that reduce the value received by beneficiaries. By leveraging Thunes’ global payment network and Absa’s strong regional presence, the new solution aims to offer lower transaction fees, competitive foreign exchange rates, and clear pricing. As a result, more of the money sent reaches the people and businesses that depend on it.
Nick Nkosi, Managing Director for Transactions and Deposits at Absa Personal and Private Banking, highlighted the importance of innovation in improving everyday financial services. According to Nkosi, remittances remain a crucial financial lifeline for many families living across borders. He emphasized that Absa is committed to delivering solutions that are both intuitive and impactful. Through its collaboration with Thunes, the bank aims to provide customers with a faster and more affordable way to transfer money internationally while maintaining transparency and choice.
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From Thunes’ perspective, the partnership also represents an important step toward expanding financial connectivity across the African continent. Simon Nelson, the company’s Commercial Director, expressed pride in working with one of Africa’s most trusted banking institutions. By combining Absa’s deep understanding of local markets with Thunes’ global infrastructure, the two organizations are creating a payment ecosystem that makes international money transfers more accessible.
Nelson noted that improving cross-border payments is vital for supporting economic growth and financial inclusion. As trade and migration increase across Africa and beyond, the ability to send money quickly and reliably becomes even more important. The launch of Absa Global Pay is designed to support both intra-African transfers and connections with global markets, helping individuals, families, and businesses stay financially connected regardless of distance.
Ultimately, the collaboration reflects a broader trend in the financial services industry, where banks and fintech companies are increasingly working together to modernize payment systems. By combining traditional banking expertise with innovative technology platforms, these partnerships are reshaping how people move money around the world.
With Absa Global Pay, customers across Africa now have access to a digital remittance solution that simplifies international transfers while reducing costs and improving transparency. As the service expands to additional countries in the future, it has the potential to further strengthen financial connections across continents and support the economic well-being of communities that rely heavily on cross-border payments.
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