By Max Mahara Medison

Salima, January 31. Mana: In an ongoing digital financial literacy awareness campaign under the Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM), Mgwirizano Savings and Loan (VSL) group in Salima has embraced digital financial services, moving away from traditional cash storage methods.

Speaking on Thursday during a discussion on the use of digital channels over cash, in Chindungwa village, in the area of Senior Chief Pemba, Salima campaign awareness Field Supervisor, Shazel Lambat introduced Chitsanzo VSL Group members to mobile banking platforms.

She said they demonstrated how the group could enhance security, efficiency, and convenience in managing their collective savings.

"We want to impart skills in savings groups on how they can maximize digital platforms in securing their savings, we are happy that the majority of the groups we have visited have shown interest in adopting digital financing," she said.

Chairlady for Chitsanzo VSL Group Bunaya Levison said they will no longer store money in a metal box they will transition to more secure digital ways.

“We have always relied on using a metal box with two keys distributed among different members of the group, but after learning about digital banking, we see how much safer and easier it is to manage our savings.

"With access to digital financial services, we can deposit, transfer, and monitor our funds, making management and storing of funds easier and safer," she said.

Digital Financial Services (DFS) comprise a broad range of financial services, delivered through digital channels such as mobile financial services (MFS), and banking payments through money transfers.

The awareness-raising campaign of digital financial literacy and technology education is in its final phase in Salima, Zomba, Neno and Chiradzulu.

The Government of Malawi with support from the African Development Bank has been carrying out digital financial literacy awareness campaigns in all the 28 districts across the country. Salima district has been one of the districts that have benefited from the campaign