Money transfer operator Western Union has entered an agreement with BNP Paribas to provide consumers with banking facilities across branches in Africa, the Middle East, and India.
In turn, the bank will make Western Union's money order transmission and reception service available to private customers. The service enables consumers to send and receive funds worldwide. No bank account is required and funds are paid usually in local currency to the receiver.
By 2003, twenty-one BNP Paribas territories will open one or more branches. In Senegal, Guinea, Gabon, and Djibouti, the new branches will be operational in the next three months.
The agreement is in line with Western Union's objective of expanding its presence on the African continent.