Orange is launching a new service that enables mobile subscribers in three West African states to send funds to one another.

The new service is directed at existing subscribers to the operator’s Orange Money offering in Mali, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire.

It is the first such service in that region of Africa says Orange, which aims to expand it to other countries in which it is present in Africa and the Middle East.

Every year, €200 million moves between the three countries in money transfers. This is the market that Orange is targeting.

To access the service, an Orange subscriber dials #144# from their phone and then enters the Orange number of the recipient and the amount to be sent. The money is then made delivered to the recipient’s Orange account. From there it can be used for payments, purchases or transfers. Or it can be withdrawn as cash at a local Orange Money distributor.

The new service is called Orange Money International Transfer.