Mobile operator Bharti Airtel is expanding the range of services that can be paid for with Airtel Money mobile money accounts in Africa.

Bharti Airtel provides mobile communications services in 20 African and Asian countries. Its Airtel Money accounts can now be used for purchasing insurance policies and paying for air tickets, as well as P2P cash transfers and utility bill payment.

According to Charity Lumpa, Airtel's managing director, there are now 1.8 million Airtel Money users in Zambia, along with 800 million agents countrywide, reports BiztechAfrica. The publication said half a million Airtel Money transactions take place in Zambia per month.

Airtel customers can now use their Airtel Money accounts to pay for insurance from Nico Insurance Zambia. The partnership agreement with Nico Insurance follows a similar agreement with the Proflight Zambia airline that enables customers to purchase air tickets through Airtel Money, All Africa reported.

Nico Insurance is offering a discount to customers who pay with Airtel Money, according to BiztechAfrica.

In Kenya, Airtel has a strategic partnership with Pan Africa Life Assurance Limited and MicroEnsure for the sale of life insurance via mobile phones.

Learn more about bill payment and money transfers/P2P.