Johannesburg - MTN, Africa's leading mobile network operator, and Skrill, a leading global online payments company, today announced a partnership agreement focused on helping MTN subscribers to take part in the global digital revolution by being able to use funds in their mobile wallets to buy from global internet brands integrated into the Skrill network.


MTN Mobile Money users in Ivory Coast and Rwanda will be first to enjoy benefits of the partnership, when the 'Pay by Skrill' service is introduced this month.


"Our partnership with Skrill is another important step in our journey to offer customers the ability to use mobile money for online purchases. Through this partnership, MTN is enabling global digital payments, further enhancing our mobile money wallet. After Ivory Coast and Rwanda, the service will be extended to Benin and Uganda, with other markets to follow soon thereafter," says Pieter Verkade, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer.


To transact using mobile money, MTN customers do not have to open a Skrill account. Users can simply go to the website of a Skrill merchant, select a purchase and choose the option to 'Pay by Skrill'.


Nilesh Pandya, SVP of Emerging Markets at Skrill, commented:


"Today, there are hundreds of millions of consumers who want to be a part of the digital revolution, but simply do not have the means to pay. Our partnership with MTN enables its 18.4 million mobile wallet customers to enjoy the benefits of digitisation that those in developed markets take for granted, and provides impetus for MTN's remaining 200 million mobile subscribers to embrace mobile payments.


"Skrill is revolutionising digital markets by driving universal engagement in the digital world. This ground-breaking launch brings together leading mobile operators and online businesses, enabling global online brands to connect with consumers in emerging markets, and leverage the true power of digital transactions."


Skrill operates the highest possible level of online payment security across all payment methods, including credit card, bank transfer and now, MTN Mobile Money. There is no additional cost or charge for MTN Mobile Money payment when making purchases via a Skrill merchant website.


As of June 2014, MTN Mobile Money had over 18.4 million customers in 15 countries. The service enables users to perform local and international money transfers, make utility payments and purchases.


- Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs


About the MTN Group


Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN." As of 30 June 2014, MTN recorded 215 million subscribers cross its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com, www.mtn.com and www.mtnmmo.com


For more information, please contact:


Silvanus Khameli on +27 83 222 7613 or silvanus.khameli@mtn.com or mtngrouppressoffice@mtn.co.za


Note to Editors: Print quality pictures available in the MTN Group Press Office, accessible via www.mtn.com


About Skrill


Skrill is one of Europe's leading online payments companies and among the world's largest independent digital wallet providers with 36 million account holders. Skrill enables any customer to make online payments conveniently and securely without revealing personal financial data, as well as send and receive money online cost-effectively. Skrill's mission is to become the preferred choice for online payments globally.


Skrill's worldwide payment network offers businesses access to direct payment processing via 100 payment options in 200 countries and territories and 40 currencies, through just one integration, allowing everyone to pay and get paid globally.


For further information, please visit www.skrill.com


For more information, please contact:


Skrill Team at the Red Consultancy


SkrillTeam@redconsultancy.com / +44 207 025 6500

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