Product Description
M-Pesa is a transformative mobile banking service launched by Vodafone for Safaricom in 2007. It lets people make small amount transactions using SMS technology without having to create bank accounts or having to physically carry cash. As a result, those who had been previously excluded from formal financial activities (i.e. saving money, sending money) can actively participate in financial industry.
M stands for mobile and PESA for a Swahili word for money. M-Pesa is sponsored by Vodafone.
Market Suggested Retail Price
$1.00
Target Users (Target Impact Group)
Household
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
M-Pesa is distributed by Vodafone for Safaricom.
Manufacturing/Building Method
N/A
Intellectural Property Type
Select Type
User Provision Model
Registration for M-Pesa: - Free. - Step 1: Replace Your Old Safaricom SIM Card. - Step 2: Register as New M-PESA Customer. - Step 3: Activate Your M-PESA Account with the Start Key. The channels to register for M-Pesa are: - M-Pesa Mobile App - www.mpesa.in - USSD - M-Pesa Call Centre - M-Pesa Agent Outlet Note: To register or transact at any M-PESA Agent outlet, you will be required to produce your original identification document, i.e., National ID, Passport, Military ID, Diplomatic ID or Alien ID/Foreigner Certificate. M-Pesa Rates - M-PESA charges will depend on the amount you are sending or withdrawing. Fees available online - You can use your M-PESA menu to buy airtime for your phone, or for someone else. This service is free and you will only pay for the airtime purchased. M-Pesa App available in India, on Itunes, Android and Microsoft store.
Distributions to Date Status
19.95 million subscribers as of 2014.
Design Specifications
Note: - Maximum Account Balance is KSh 100,000 - Maximum Daily Transaction Value is KSh 140,000.Maximum per transaction is KSh 70,000 - You cannot withdraw less than KSh 50 at an M-PESA agent outlet - To transact, your Safaricom line and M-PESA account must be active - At an agent outlet, you cannot deposit money directly into another M-PESA customer's account - You earn Bonga points when you transact on M-PESA.
Product Schematics
Technical Support
Technical support provided by Vodafone, via email or call centers.
Replacement Components
N/A
Lifecycle
Versioning cycle unknown.
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
None.
Vetted Performance Status
None.
Safety
N/A
Complementary Technical Systems
N/A
Academic Research and References
Nathan Eagle, txteagle: Mobile Crowdsourcing. MIT Media Laboratory.
Compliance with regulations
N/A
Evaluation methods
Customers’ reviews. Success stories available on the Facebook page. M-Pesa App in India is rated 4.2/5 on Android as of July 2016; 3.3/5 on Microsoft store.
Other Information
Now is possible to send cash between M-Pesa customers in Kenya, Tanzania, DRC Congo and Mozambique, and MTN Mobile Money customers in Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia, since 2015.M-Pesa utilization tips.M-Pesa awards.
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