MASERU – VODACOM Lesotho (VCL) yesterday launched Mpesa self-registration which is an expansion of the M-pesa mobile money services.
It extends access to all mobile users in the country regardless of their network providers.
This Mpesa self-registration network dismantles previous network restrictions.
This new development allows a network user of Vodacom and Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) to both access Mpesa services using Vodacom Mpesa app services.
And this will also empower every person in Lesotho with a mobile phone to participate in the digital economy through Mpesa‘s comprehensive suite of services.
This initiative removes the previous requirement of being a Vodacom subscriber, the inconvenience of using only Vodacom app to access Mpesa.
This change eliminates a critical barrier to entry, enabling wider adoption of digital financial solutions without the need to switch networks.
VCL chief executive officer Mohale Ralebitso said it is befitting that as Mpesa matures into its teenage years “we are amplifying its benefits to an even greater number of Basotho”.
“Our vision is of an inclusive digital future for Lesotho,” Ralebitso said, adding that this expansion is a significant stride in that direction.
Gradually they plan to leverage Mpesa credit scoring capabilities to extend financial inclusion further reaching people who may not qualify for credit from conventional ban.
VCL Financial Service Managing Director Palesa Mphunyetsane reinforced the dedication to breaking financial inclusion saying expanding access to Mpesa , her company is directly contributing to the creation of a more robust , equitable and digitally enabled financial landscape in Lesotho.
“To truly accelerate financial inclusion, we must actively eradicate any impediments to access,” Mphunyetsane said.
While this access initiative is initially focused on smartphone users, she said they are already diligently working on solutions to ensure that Basotho without smartphones can also benefit from the life changing power of Mpesa in the not so distant future.
“Registering for Mpesa is now easier than ever,” said Sebolelo Polasi VCL Mpesa‘s Digital Channels Manager.
Polasi said the new product is for all networks channels and the registration should only be done using the Mpesa app found on Google play store.
She said regardless of the users’ network he or she can access Mpesa and can register, withdraw and receive money using the Mpesa friendly app found on google play store.
Then they will be ready to enjoy seamless mobile money services.
Khahliso ’Molaoa
