LETTERS: Consumers will gradually get used to cashless services

Editor, RE: “How can Rwanda fast-track full delivery of a cashless economy?” (The New Times, October 17). This is very good information but the numbers are not in any way a reflection of the cashless payments in all fields. I do not see them talk about the recent Tap and Go cashless payments that are happening. Last I checked, they are doing more than 150,000 transactions (Rwf 30,000,000) a day on the routes that no longer accept cash. The payments using mobile and internet banking are also not reflected in the article. Peace Kahirita **************************** I agree with you that it needs to be looked at holistically. However, we have to note that for a transaction to be cashless payment, it should move from the consumer to merchant without any conversion to cash. Card payments are purely cashless, however, the majority of mobile money transactions are mainly cash as it eventually cashed out. Unless they mention numbers related bill payment and mobile merchant payments. Also, we should see more emphasis on having merchants accepting various cashless payment tools but for this to take effect, pressure should come from consumers who do not wish to pay cash. At this point, cash and cashless payments cost the same for the consumer. This will only change when the consumer realises that cash is more expensive and when it starts affecting their pockets. Kevin Rudahinduka

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LETTERS: Consumers will gradually get used to cashless services