Airtel Africa is looking to encourage take-up of its fast-growing money service through an alliance with Gabon-headquartered BGFIBank.

The operator will enable the bank’s customers in four countries to link their accounts to the Airtel Money service.

The bank’s customers in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar will be able to transfer money from their accounts to Airtel money, check their bank balances and confirm account transactions, among other things.

In addition, the partnership will allow Airtel Money users to withdraw cash from the bank’s ATMs without using their cards, as well as enabling the money service’s agents to visit BGFI branches to top up the float for their businesses.

Future services planned by the two companies include mobile savings accounts, mobile loans and international money transfer.

“This is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa as we seek to broaden our pan-African footprint for Airtel Money to serve customers better,” said Chidi Okpala, director and Africa head, Airtel Money at Bharti Airtel.

The partnership is already active in Gabon, Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo. Plans are underway to add Madagascar this quarter.