KENYA – Telecommunications service provider Safaricom, has launched the M-Pesa Super App with Mini Apps to usher in a new way to experience money.
The virtual launch took place on June 23, 2021, via YouTube on the Safaricom official channel.
The Mini Apps enable customers and Lipa Na M-Pesa Businesses to Shop, Interact with Suppliers and accomplish hundreds of tasks within the M-Pesa Super App.
The occasion was graced by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa and M-Pesa Africa Chief Executive Officer Sitoyo Lopokoiyit.
In March 2007, Safaricom launched M-Pesa, an innovative payment service for the unbanked and currently, M-Pesa services operate in Tanzania, Mozambique, DRC, Lesotho, Ghana, Egypt, Afghanistan and South Africa making it the single largest fintech and digital ecosystem in Africa.
In Kenya, they do over 30 million transactions daily valued at US$10 billion and has over 30 million customers.
“Initially we began with just the Safaricom App which empowered our customers to navigate our offerings across the different products. Over time, it became clear that we needed to do more,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
Mpesa also allows customers to do purchases and receive diaspora money remittances from over 200 countries with over US$2.3 billion terminating at Mpesa from the diaspora community.
In June 2020, Safaricom launched the Lipa Na M-Pesa Business smartphone app for the more than 170,000 merchants on the service.
“We have over 8.5 million 4G smartphones on our network. This explosion in smartphones has led to a shift in the services and products offering. In turn, it has become necessary for us to shift our products to the smartphone age”
Peter Ndegwa – CEO, Safaricom
Named “M-Pesa for Business“, it empowers business owners to access real-time statements, export statements, and track their business performance on the go.
“You will be able to access the Mini-Apps through the “Discover” option on the App while merchants on Lipa Na M-PESA can do so through the “Hub” option on the M-PESA for Business App,” the CEO added.
The first services available as Mini-Apps include Madaraka Standard Gauge Railway ticketing, long distance bus booking with BuuPass, event tickets on Mtickets, shopping gift vouchers on GiftPesa Vouchers, insurance services on eBima, and gas delivery from Pro-Gas
Through the app, business owners can further withdraw funds from Lipa Na M-Pesa to their M-Pesa accounts, bank accounts or at an agent.
“Our goal is to provide our business customers with a single point of convenience. The Mpesa business app will enable and empower our businesses with a powerful tool to manage and row their businesses,” said Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company has over 8.5 million 4G smartphones on their network and this explosion in smartphones has led to a shift in the services and products offering and in turn, it has become necessary for them to shift their products to the smartphone age.
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