Bango, the global mobile payments company, has partnered with MTN Ghana to launch operator payments in Google Play.
The development means MTN Ghana subscribers can now pay for content and services from Google Play including apps, games, music and movies, charging the cost to their MTN Mobile Money account. MTN’s online wallet service also enables Ghanaians to send and receive money, pay bills, school fees, insurance, employee salaries, top-up airtime and pay for other goods and services.
Launching this service is a major step in broadening inclusivity for internet users in the region, eliminating the need for a credit or debit card to purchase content. MTN Ghana subscribers that would otherwise have no access to the digital economy, can now fully participate in the Google Play app store experience.
Smartphone penetration in Africa is fast outstripping that of credit cards which remains extremely low, estimated at less than 5%. Carrier billing and other alternative payment methods such as MTN Mobile Money, are vital to filling that gap, providing everyone who wants to pay in Google Play store, with a safe and secure method. Android phones have over 75% market share of mobile devices in Africa.
Commenting on the partnership, acting Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Ghana Noel Kojo-Ganson said “The quest for digital content in the world and in our country today is enormous, but a convenient mode of payment has always been a bane to access a better digital evolution. MTN is happy to have partnered with Bango to offer our subscribers the opportunity to purchase their favourite apps on Google Play Store via MTN Mobile Money to experience the bold new digital world.”
Bango CEO, Ray Anderson added “Huge consumer appetite for digital entertainment products in Africa will drive greater usage of wallets and other payment methods that can be used for a wide range of services, growing financial inclusion across the region”.
