Vodacom Lesotho expands M-Pesa access to all mobile users

RETHABILE MOHONO

MASERU – Good news for Basotho as Vodacom Lesotho announces a major expansion of its M-Pesa mobile money service, making it accessible to all mobile users in the country, regardless of their network provider, on Wednesday.

This move eliminates previous restrictions that limited M-Pesa access to Vodacom subscribers, allowing more Basotho to participate in the digital economy.

The initiative underscores Vodacom’s commitment to financial inclusion by removing a key barrier to entry. By opening M-Pesa to all mobile users, the company is ensuring that more people can access secure and reliable financial services without switching network providers.

Speaking at the launch event, Vodacom Lesotho’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohale Ralebitso, highlighted the significance of this expansion.

“It is fitting that as M-Pesa matures into its teenage years, we are able to amplify its benefits to an even greater number of Basotho.

Our vision is of an inclusive digital future for Lesotho, and this expansion is a significant stride in that direction. Crucially, we plan to leverage M-Pesa’s credit scoring capabilities to extend financial inclusion further, reaching people who may not traditionally qualify for credit from conventional banks. This is the very essence of our commitment to transforming and empowering the lives of Basotho,” he said.

VCL Financial Services Managing Director, Palesa Mphunyetsane, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s dedication to breaking down barriers to financial inclusion.

“To truly accelerate financial inclusion, we must actively eradicate any impediments to access. Since M-Pesa’s inception in 2013, we have been ardent advocates for universal financial access.

While this ‘All Access’ initiative is initially focused on smartphone users, we are already diligently working on solutions to ensure that Basotho without smartphones can also benefit from the life-changing power of M-Pesa in the near future,” she said.

Sebolelo Polasi, M-Pesa’s Digital Channels Manager, reassured users that the registration process is now simpler than ever.

“New users can quickly and securely access the full power of M-Pesa through our user-friendly app on the Google Play Store. They only need to provide their mobile numbers, names as they appear on their National IDs, and ID numbers to start enjoying seamless mobile money services, from transfers and payments to banking and more.”

Financial inclusion remains a key driver of sustainable economic development, and by expanding M-Pesa’s reach, Vodacom Lesotho is directly contributing to a more equitable and digitally enabled financial landscape in the country.

The move is expected to boost economic participation by providing essential tools for saving, transacting, and accessing financial services, further empowering Basotho to take charge of their financial well-being.