Vivo Energy a Shell licensee in 15 African markets and Airtel Money today announced a collaborative Pan African agreement to strengthen both companies' footprint in providing services to their growing customer base.

The move is in a quest to give communities substantially more Airtel money agent points through the Vivo Energy's network of Shell retail service stations and convenience shops in all current and future countries in Africa in which both Airtel and Vivo Energy operate. The initial scope of the alliance will cover the following areas;

Shell service stations will be cash In and cash Out points for Airtel Money customers

Airtel Money will be an accepted mode of payment in all shell service stations.

Shell service stations will stock and sell Airtel airtime.

Shell service stations will provide float to Airtel Money agents.

"Mobile money presents huge opportunity with the unbanked and also banked population of Africa. At the end of 2013, we had more than 730 million mobile phones registered in Africa. This represents a 70% penetration in the population." said Mr David Mureithi Executive Vice President supply and marketing at Vivo Energy.

Vivo Energy operates 1,430 Shell branded service stations in 15 countries across Africa and aims to be the most respected energy company in Africa.

Airtel Money is operational in 15 countries in Africa, with over 27 million registered customers and over 250,000 registered agents with its mobile money facility has the widest m-commerce footprint in Africa and building a cashless ecosystem across the continent.

"Mobile money services have gained momentum in a number of countries across the continent, led by operators, like Airtel, looking to add to their portfolio value-added services. This initiative fits our overall strategy of offering innovating solutions to our customers and develop lasting relationship with them." added Mr Mureithi.