The partnership will expand current USAID efforts in mobile solutions and focus on implementing a set of principles in nine countries, initially focusing on Kenya, Colombia, Haiti, Indonesia and the Philippines.
"The ability to store and transfer money, as well as to make small payments using mobile phones, has the potential to lift millions out of poverty, just as the Green Revolution did in the 1960s," USAID administrator Raj Shah was quoted as saying by BankingTech.
"Our partnership with Citi, a global banking leader, will accelerate implementation of these new services in a smart and safe way."
While on his part, Citi CEO Vikram Pandit said: "Mobile money is a game-changing endeavour with the potential to improve lives, create jobs, spawn new enterprises, and expand financial inclusion, particularly in the emerging markets that are critical to the growth of the global economy."
By Our West Africa Correspondent
