The Business Times
business-time-50

No smartphone? A mobile money agent can assist you in Kigali, Rwanda

google-preferred-sourceAdd BT as a preferred source

Bernadette Toh

Published Sat, Sep 23, 2023 · 05:00 AM
    • Customers stand in line to top up a mobile money account at designated yellow booths in Kigali, Rwanda. For those without a bank account, this is the only way to use a mobile money account.
    • Customers stand in line to top up a mobile money account at designated yellow booths in Kigali, Rwanda. For those without a bank account, this is the only way to use a mobile money account. PHOTO: ERIN LIAM

    BRIGHT yellow booths line the streets of Kigali, manned by people sporting vests of the same colour. Instead of peddling products, their job is to assist with money.

    These individuals are known as mobile money agents, and they help Rwandans top up their mobile wallets – even those who don’t have a smartphone and barely have a 2G connection.

    Hired by the country’s largest telecommunications company MTN, mobile money agents can be found in every corner of the capital. From pharmacies to ride-hailing services, mobile money is used everywhere. Even at church, Rwandans can make offerings with a mobile money account number.

    Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

    E-paymentsAfrica

    Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.

    Reuse this contentFeedback

    TRENDING NOW

    Eugene Lai (left) says that he was sharing a view with Tan Chian Khong that the board needed a refresh and that it was not an explicit direction to resign.

    CSE Global independent director quits after clashes with chairman Eugene Lai over board refresh

    Allowing some older malls to evolve organically could help Orchard Road retain diversity, says one observer.

    Room for more offices, homes and green spaces to make Orchard Road more vibrant

    Siranudh Scott had caused an internet sensation with a video accusing his brother of allegedly abusing him during his childhood years.

    ‘I felt like dying’: Thai Singha beer scion speaks up after disclosure of alleged sexual abuse

    The amendments "aim to protect the competitive process of takeover and merger transactions", says SIC.

    MAS revises takeover and merger code to enhance competition and disclosures

    Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
    Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
    View More