Letshego looks to mobile banking to deepen financial inclusion

After unveiling a new brand image, Letshego Rwanda, a local microfinance bank, is looking to deepen financial inclusion using mobile and e-banking platforms. Letshego Rwanda chief executive officer Joel Uwizeye said mobile and e-banking are essential to reach the unbanked masses, especially in the hard-to-reach areas across the country. Uwizeye said the move seeks to support government efforts geared at increasing financial inclusion in the country, as well as promoting a savings culture, and the cashless economy initiative. Mmadiofa Pilara head of group brand and communication speaks during the event. (Nadege Imbabazi) Government is encouraging Rwandans to embrace information and communication technology (ICT) tools, like debit and credit cards, and mobile money services to help reduce the use of paper money as it moves toward a cashless economy in the medium to long-term. Already, most government services, such as birth certificate charges, passport fees, and taxes, are being paid for using e-payment platforms provided by banks, telecoms, and other financial service providers. Uwizeye said the microfinance bank will partner with telecoms and other providers to roll out the service. He said that they have also set up a platform that will enable customers to use mobile phones to access their accounts, to deposit or withdraw money. Rwema Peter executive director of (AMIR) Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda speaks during the event. (Nadege Imbabazi) Customers will also be able to conduct other transactions using their mobile phones, he added. “We are committed to improving the lives of Rwandans beyond basic financial solutions. “That’s why we are going to support bankable projects in sectors, including education, real estate, and agriculture,” Uwizeye said in Kigali last week. He added that the bank will also support affordable housing initiatives to provide low and middle-income earners decent homes. It has also set aside a fund to boost entrepreneurship in the country to ensure sustainable development. “We are ready to finance small business ideas, especially targeting the youth, that have the potential to create jobs and grow into big ventures,” he said. Participants follow proceedings. (Nadege Imbabazi) Mukiza Thierry, who has been a customer of the microfinance bank for 15 years, said, through Letshego, he was able to build a two bed roomed, self-contained house in Kigali.

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Letshego looks to mobile banking to deepen financial inclusion