Airtel Uganda today convened with Key industry stakeholders to launch an Open Application Programming Interface (API) for their payments products. The initiative is Airtel’s move not to miss out on the cashless economy that keeps growing in Uganda. The telco giant stated the new API aims to make payments quicker, easier & convenient.
Furthermore, the open API launch will meet the need to securely integrate different business platforms with Airtel money while improving the availability of the service. Developers and businesses will also be boosted by the availability of proper documentation from the telco.
Airtel’s director of IT Donald Twesiga, stated: “It also makes very clear and understandable documentation about the API, ensures API requests are authentic, automated, authorized, validated, cleansed, and can still be processed when the services are under load.”
Grassroots Financial Inclusion
This is in line with Airtel Uganda’s commitment to ensure no one in the country is left behind.
A key partner in Airtel’s Open API project is UNCDF. UNCDF is the UN’s catalytic financing entity and it works to drive innovations that provide ways underserved communities can have access to capital.
The launch follows last year’s Airtel Campaign dubbed #UGNeedsMoreOfU. The campaign was aimed at recognizing outstanding Ugandans who are using technology to transform other people’s lives. Airtel’s Uganda MD noted that the campaign showed financial inclusion was needed throughout the country.
“At Airtel, we understand the role and need of providing a platform for innovation that improves financial inclusion. Hon Minister, I am pleased to announce that we are now 5G ready. We have 11 sites already tested and ready when approvals are received.” said Mr. Manoj Murali while addressing Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and other guests at the Sheraton Hotel in Uganda.
Stakeholder Partnerships in Uganda
The Airtel MD further noted that the company’s partnership with UNCDF has seen the growth of financial inclusion including in the Northern parts of Uganda. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister and chief guest was happy to note that Uganda is fast catching up with the rest of the world in terms of digital innovation. The minister also noted that Airtel has been key in leading the digital transformation journey
UNCDF country lead in Uganda, Chris Lukolyo, remarked that they have created an inclusive digital financial program. The work of the organization has provided financial services to rural communities that might be left behind.
Developers and businesses looking to integrate their solutions with Airtel’s open AI can get started here.
The event was attended by key industry stakeholders including SafeBoda, Response Innovation Lab, MFS_Africa, Sure Pay, and UNCDF among others.
