(MENAFN- The Post)
IN the bustling landscape of Lesotho, one name stands out as a driving force behind job creation, economic empowerment, and technological change – M-Pesa.
The Vodacom Lesotho Services managing director, Palesa Mphunyetsane, says this ground-breaking mobile money platform has transformed the way people transact.
Its impact on job creation and economic productivity is nothing short of remarkable.
“At the heart of M-Pesa's success is its agents and merchants who form a dynamic network across the country,” Mphunyetsane said.
She also said M-Pesa directly employs a team of 45 skilled professionals, including interns and graduate trainees, who contribute their expertise in technology, IT, and sales.
She added that to maintain the extensive agent network, M-Pesa works in tandem with 35 float runners and aggregators employees who specialise in supporting and maintaining the agents.
“These individuals play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations, offering vital assistance to agents and merchants, and ensuring that customer transactions are processed seamlessly,” she said.
Mphunyetsane said M-Pesa boasts an impressive network of 12 000 agents spread across Lesotho, saying the agents are not just entrepreneurs and small business owners but they are the backbone of M-Pesa.
They bring its services closer to the people, she said.
“Through their participation in the M-Pesa network, agents not only contribute to financial inclusion but also generate income for themselves, supporting their livelihoods and bolstering local economies.”
Moreover, she said, M-Pesa empowers merchants by providing them with the tools to accept mobile payments, adding that currently there are more than 8 000 active merchants in Lesotho who have integrated M-Pesa into their businesses.
“As these merchants expand their customer base and experience growth, they often require additional staff to support their operations.”
She said more than 60-foot soldiers are employed to support the growth of agents and merchants saying the dynamic individuals act as a catalyst on the ground, working closely with agents and merchants to ensure their success.
She said M-Pesa's bulk payment solutions play a crucial role in driving overall economic productivity in Lesotho.
“By digitising and automating payment processes, M-Pesa simplifies and accelerates transactions for organisations, businesses, and government agencies,” she said.
“This streamlined approach saves time, effort, and resources.”
She added that M-Pesa's impact on job creation, economic growth, and technological expertise in Lesotho is undeniable.
“Through its network of agents and merchants, direct employment of skilled professionals, outsourced support, and employment of young foot soldiers, M-Pesa has become a catalyst for change.”
Refiloe Mpobole