Bharti Airtel has partnered with Ecobank – a pan-African banking group – to deliver “Airtel Money” across nine African countries in which the New Delhi-headquartered operator has a presence.

Airtel Money is already up and running in seven African countries – Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Niger, Zambia and Kenya – with rollout in Gabon and Sierra Leone to follow later this month.

Subject to regulatory approval, Airtel Money customers can make money deposits and withdrawals at Ecobank branches. Utility bill payments and two-way money transfers – between Airtel Money and Ecobank – are also possible. Bank account balances and statements can be viewed in real time.

Patrick Akinwuntan, Ecobank’s group executive director, emphasised the convenience of cross-border transactions and remittances across the continent using the service.

Ecobank’s partnerhip with Bharti comes at a time when its chief executive, Thierry Tanoh, is facing allegations of fraud by a senior manager (allegations which Tanoh denies).

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Ecobank’s governance.

Ecobank operates in France and 34 African countries.