Mpesa is widely used in Kenya with a good number of businesses embracing the service; however, other East African countries have yet to realize the full potential of mobile banking, but things are looking good. Vodacom – which has operations in Tanzanian mobile service industry, has partnered with Uchumi supermarkets to allow the retail chain’s customers conveniently pay for their goods via mobile phones. Mpesa mobile banking service has seen tremendous growth in Kenya, thanks to Safaricom’s aggressive campaign initiative, businesses can easily acquire till numbers from which customers can make payments using their mobile phones instead of dealing directly in cash. The Mpesa service is more secure compared to the later alongside other benefits
Uchumi shoppers in Dar es Salaam will also get the full benefits of Mpesa after Vodacom extended the service to the region. The development came as a new retail outlet – Uchumi quality center was unveiled in Dar, Mpesa service was aimed at making shopping at Uchumi outlets easier across the country. According to Hasan Saleh – Chief Officer in charge of sales and distribution at Vodacom Tanzania, partnership between the two firms will see Uchumi customers enjoy Mpesa services anytime they visit the stores which are said to provide the service till midnight.
Dangers of carrying large sums of money will be a thing of the past – at least for Uchumi shoppers as the Mpesa service will do the trick safely. Saleh also indicated customers will enjoy additional array of services including device configurations, device repair and after sales services. Uchumi’s country manager – Chris Lenana hailed the partnership saying it’ll be beneficial to both Uchumi and Vodacom’s customers. With the new partnership, Uchumi’s customers are now relieved of carrying when doing shopping, added Lenana. Vodacom Tanzania said both Mpesa and Uchumi customers should utilize the opportunity as it was an easy yet affordable way to do shopping. ‘Furthermore, the partnership will go miles in embracing technology as mobile money transactions become necessary in today’s world’, said Saleh.
