A report by Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority released back in May indicated that the value of funds transferred via Mobile Money platforms had substantially grown, by 450 per cent, between January and April, involving some Rwf40 billion. The country saw unprecedented increase in digital payments as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with health professionals and authorities urging the public to desist from exchanging hard cash as banknotes were potential spreaders of the deadly virus. Digital platforms also became an ideal mode of payment, especially at the time when the country was under a total lockdown, which confined people to their homes. One of the factors that drove the growth of digital payments was the fact that government, telecommunication companies and banks had agreed to waive transfer fees for a period of three months. Transfer charges have since been reinstated, with many people apparently falling back into the old habit of paying with and withdrawing hard cash. Nonetheless, far more people are believed to still be using mobile money services today than were pre- pandemic. This is just one of the positive developments that we saw emerge from the dark times of Covid-19. As with regular handwashing, coughing into your elbow or a disposable tissue rather than into bare hands, holding small weddings, e-commerce and delivery services, digital payments is one of the practices that should be promoted and sustained post-Covid. Indeed, there is a long list of good habits and attitudes that many embraced – for fear the pandemic – which we should not abandon even after this virus has been defeated. It includes homeworking, which has proven to be effective for at least some jobs, as well as virtual schooling. Investing in e-infrastructures will also help prepare us for similar pandemics in the future. Most importantly, maintaining positive social practices, digital attitudes and healthy lifestyles could help improve welfare, save resources and lower stress for many – almost immediately.
