Mogadishu, Somalia – eBesa, a digital mobile money platform in Somalia powered by IBS Bank and SomLink Telecom, has launched a new partnership with Ria Money Transfer (“Ria”), a global leader in cross-border money transfers and part of Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT).
This new service builds on IBS Bank’s 2023 agreement with Ria, which first allowed customers to receive money through bank deposits and cash pickups at any IBS Bank branch. Now, with the eBesa integration, funds go straight to mobile wallets, making remittances faster and easier for everyone.
Send Money from 165+ Countries to eBesa Wallets
Ria now lets people send money to Somalia from over 165 countries. These include major hubs like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Chile.
Money sent through Ria arrives in minutes straight to the receiver’s eBesa wallet. Ria customers can simply pick eBesa from the Mobile Wallets option when sending money, whether they use the Ria website or mobile app.
What This Means for Somali Families
This new link between Ria and eBesa gives Somali families abroad a fast, safe, and easy way to support loved ones back home. It also helps more people in Somalia use digital money services, boosting financial inclusion across the country.
What Leaders Are Saying
Mohamed Bashir Osman, Head of eBesa at IBS Bank, said: “This partnership with Ria is a big step for eBesa. Building on our 2023 agreement, we are now sending money directly to mobile wallets. Somalis can now get money from over 165 countries straight into their eBesa accounts, safely and quickly.”
Abdirizak Warsame, Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, added: “IBS Bank wants to help Somalis through digital finance. Our first deal with Ria in 2023 made cash pickups and bank deposits possible. Now, with eBesa, we put that power in every customer’s hand. This connects our people to one of the world’s largest remittance networks.”
El Hadji Malick Seck, Regional Director for Business Development in Africa at Ria, said: “Ria is happy to work with eBesa to make money transfers easier for Somalis. We reach over 165 countries, so families at home and abroad can stay connected. Money arrives in minutes, giving peace of mind when it’s needed most.”
Easy Access for Everyone
The new eBesa and Ria service comes at a perfect time. More Somalis than ever are using digital money services. With eBesa, anyone can receive money straight to their phone. No internet? No problem. Just dial *770# on any mobile phone.
About eBesa
eBesa is a digital and mobile money platform in Somalia. It was started by IBS Bank and runs on SomLink Telecom. The Central Bank of Somalia licenses and regulates eBesa as an official mobile money operator. With eBesa, users can send money, pay bills, save, take loans, and shop online with a free virtual Mastercard.
About Ria Money Transfer
Ria Money Transfer, part of Euronet (NASDAQ: EEFT), offers fast, safe, and low-cost global money transfers. It has the world’s largest cash payout network. Ria gives customers many ways to send and receive money, including mobile wallets, home delivery, and cardless ATM payouts. Ria’s Dandelion network helps move money in real time across borders, creating new opportunities and economic growth worldwide.
