Western Union and multinational telecommuication company MTN Group today announced the launch of a new mobile money transfer service in Rwanda and Ivory Coast. The new service enables MTN customers in both countries to receive a Western Union money transfer transaction in their mobile wallet, according to a press release.

Senders may choose to send funds from a participating Western Union agent location or a Western Union digital channel, according to the announcement. The receiver may then pick up the transfer into his or her mobile wallet. The funds can be used to pay bills, conduct a person-to-person money transfer, buy airtime, as well as other MTN mobile money services available, according to the announcement.

Western Union said the new offering increases its payout options in the countries. In addition to the new mobile money transfer service with MTN, Rwandan and Ivory Coast consumers can receive funds at more than 400 Western Union locations in Rwanda and 1,350 Western Union locations in Ivory Coast.

"Western Union continues to grow its reach across Africa, while delivering an exceptional experience across retail and mobile platforms, allowing our customers to conveniently and reliably move money," said Khalid Fellahi, senior vice president and general manager for Western Union Digital. "Furthermore, Western Union seeks to promote global economic opportunity by bridging gaps in the traditional financial services system, and strives to provide consumers with 24x7 access to Western Union services."

As of April 2015, MTN had 27,4 million Mobile Money subscribers across 14 operations. The service enables users to perform local and international money transfers and make utility payments and purchases. In Ivory Coast, where MTN is the leading operator with more than 8.3 million subscribers on the network and 2.6 million mobile money subscribers, users are now able to pay for online purchases with MTN Mobile Money.