WorldRemit, a UK based Fintech in the digital money transfer sector, announced on Thursday it was selected by Vodafone as a global partner in a program offering zero-fee international money transfers to Fiji. WorldRemit reported that through the partnership, it enables mobile customers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., and the U.K. to transfer funds to individuals in Fiji, for free.
WorldRemit further stated that Fiji has not only been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has also experienced some struggles due to Tropical Cyclone Harold, which struck the island in April 2020.
“Both have resulted in a drastic decline in tourism which is the largest industry in Fiji, with an estimated 100,000 citizens of Fiji now unemployed. As part of the United Nations’ Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme, Vodafone Fiji forged a partnership with WorldRemit to encourage people around the world to send financial support to the people of Fiji.”
Speaking about the collaboration with Vodafone, Bryce Currie, Vice President of Business Development, Asia-Pacific at WorldRemit, stated he and his team expect to see a large increase in the number of transactions to Vodafone Fiji M-PAISA Mobile Money over the next few months, due to the devastating impact of the cyclone and COVID-19.
The zero-fee money transfer program is available through the WorldRemit website and mobile app. WorldRemit and Vodafone are waiving fees until July 14th for those who want to support the people of Fiji, who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Harold.