Xsolla adds Airtel Money in Tanzania and Madagascar, giving players access to a trusted local payment method

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Xsolla adds Airtel Money in Tanzania and Madagascar, giving players access to a trusted local payment method

December 18, 2025•4 min

Meeting players where they pay across two rapidly digitalizing African markets

As developers expand into high-growth regions, Africa continues to emerge as one of the world's most dynamic digital economies. Mobile-first behavior, firm daily reliance on digital wallets, and widespread financial inclusion efforts have enabled millions of players to transact online with ease. In markets like Tanzania and Madagascar, mobile money is more than a convenience—it is the backbone of the financial ecosystem. With high mobile penetration and billions of wallet-based transactions processed annually, players expect game payments to match the simplicity and familiarity of the tools they already use. That is why Xsolla’s latest update, the expansion of Airtel Mobile Money to these two countries, is a significant milestone for developers entering Africa’s rapidly evolving gaming landscape. As one of the continent’s most trusted mobile money providers, Airtel gives players a fast, secure, and intuitive way to purchase their favorite games using only a mobile device.

Why Airtel Mobile Money is essential for player reach in Tanzania and Madagascar

To truly grow across emerging markets, developers must support payment methods grounded in local behaviors, not card-dependent systems. Airtel Mobile Money is deeply woven into everyday financial life across Africa. It enables millions to send, receive, and store money digitally without the need for bank accounts or physical cards. With this expansion, Xsolla now connects developers to Airtel’s trusted payment network in Tanzania and Madagascar, delivering:

Instant payment confirmations
Card-free purchasing via mobile app or USSD
High brand recognition and trust among local users
Coverage of millions of active Airtel customers

This gives studios a powerful, localized way to increase conversions, reach broader audiences, and align payment flows with real-world player habits.

What developers gain from the Airtel Mobile Money integration

To help developers understand how this expansion improves revenue, accessibility, and checkout reliability, here are the core advantages: Instant real-time confirmations Transactions through Airtel Mobile Money are processed immediately, reducing delays and minimizing drop-offs. Players can complete purchases quickly and stay engaged in the game. Card-free access for all players Airtel users can pay:

Through the Airtel app, or
Using USSD codes, even on basic mobile devices

This ensures that players without cards or formal banking can still participate in digital gaming economies. A trusted regional brand Airtel holds widespread recognition and credibility across both Tanzania and Madagascar. Featuring it at checkout increases confidence, especially for first-time purchasers. Expanded reach across emerging gaming markets With millions of active users, Airtel empowers developers to:

Capture new segments of mobile-first players
Increase successful transaction rates
Build long-term growth in two fast-expanding markets

In regions where digital wallets outperform card payments, this localization is essential for sustainable monetization.

A step forward for Africa’s fast-growing gaming ecosystem

Africa’s gaming audience is predominantly young, mobile-first, and eager to explore digital entertainment. As smartphones remain the primary gateway to online experiences, payment methods tailored to mobile use become a critical growth factor. By integrating Airtel Mobile Money in Tanzania and Madagascar, Xsolla enables developers to:

Reach millions of players who rely on mobile money daily
Remove friction from the payment journey
Deliver secure and convenient transaction flows
Support inclusive access across various device types
Grow confidently into two of Africa’s emerging digital economies

This expansion reflects Xsolla’s ongoing commitment to building localized, player-first financial experiences worldwide.

What Xsolla leadership is saying

“Mobile money is redefining how players across Africa pay for digital entertainment,” said Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla. “By expanding Airtel Mobile Money coverage to more countries, we’re helping developers meet players where they are, offering fast, secure, and familiar payment experiences that make gaming more accessible to everyone.” His perspective underscores a global trend: as emerging markets accelerate their digital adoption, localized payments become essential, not optional.

Why this matters now

Tanzania and Madagascar are undergoing rapid digital transformation, characterized by rising mobile adoption, increased financial inclusion, and growing player engagement. As more gamers transact through mobile-first systems, developers must align their payment offerings with local expectations. Xsolla’s expanded Airtel Mobile Money coverage supports the broader mission to:

Strengthen local payment support across Africa
Improve transaction success rates with trusted methods
Reduce friction in mobile-first ecosystems
Support developers entering fast-growing regions
Ensure that players everywhere can pay seamlessly

By adding Airtel Mobile Money in these markets, Xsolla gives developers a reliable path to scale across Africa’s next wave of digital-native players.

Activate Airtel Mobile Money and expand your reach in Africa

Developers can enable Airtel Mobile Money directly through their Xsolla Publisher Account. Reach more players. Improve conversion. Build localized payment experiences that reflect how players transact every day.