18 March 2025
M-PESA is embarking on a mission to empower Ethiopia's tech innovators and enhance financial inclusion in the country.
In collaboration with its sister company, Safaricom Ethiopia, M-PESA aims to address significant financial inclusion gaps by offering mobile payments, savings, lending, and various other financial services to underserved communities lacking access to traditional banking.
In a bid to support Ethiopia's rapidly evolving tech ecosystem, Elsa Muzzolini, CEO of Safaricom M-PESA Mobile Financial Services, led a team to the Innovation Incubation Centre at Jimma University, which serves as a hub for over 20 startups dedicated to pioneering digital solutions.
Muzzolini pointed out ongoing challenges within the expanding developer community, such as barriers to server payments and the complex integration processes with global platforms like the Google Play Store and App Store.
"Recognizing these hurdles, M-PESA aims to cultivate a more accessible digital environment by offering solutions that simplify these processes," said Muzzolini.
A key highlight of the visit to Jimma University was the introduction of the M-PESA open API, which allows for seamless payment integration. By opening this API to developers and startups, M-PESA is striving to equip the local fintech ecosystem with the necessary tools for innovation.
In addition to engaging with developers, the M-PESA team also visited local merchants and distributors to gain insights into how digital payment systems can enhance financial inclusion and stimulate business growth. This comprehensive approach underscores M-PESA's commitment to empowering communities and fostering a vibrant digital economy in Ethiopia.
