MTN and Skrill, a leading global online payments company, has 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.