By Wellington Sibale

Neno, January 15, Mana: People in Neno have embraced Digital Financial Service (DFS) saying the service is convenient and safer for business transaction.

Speaking during DFS awareness campaign on Wednesday in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlauli, a subsistence farmer and member of the Dzomodya Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group, James Liwonde, said the DFS was vital in promoting better saving practices among VSL groups.

“Digital platforms like Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba protect us from theft because they are safe and user-friendly. With these services, we can send money to relatives regardless of distance.” Liwonde said.

Echoing the sentiments, another farmer, Philipina Chitsamba from the same VSL group said DFS was a convenient way of transaction in this digital era.

“Storing money digitally ensures it is always accessible when needed. In the past, thieves often stole from us when we kept money at home. Now, we feel secure knowing our money is safe in our phones.” Chitsamba said.

During the awareness campaign, VSLs groups were also encouraged to adopt the DFS to ensure safety and efficiency on their operations.

 Agnes Maliyo, a member of the Limbikani VSL group in Mbilizi Village, T/A Mlauli hailed the DFS awareness saying this was ideal to inform the people in her area on the importance of the services.

“This is an empowering message for those of us in VSL groups as we faced challenges such as missing funds and difficulties reconciling figures at the end of the year. Digital methods will eliminate these issues.” She said.

She added that she had already adopted mobile money platforms for personal financial management.

“I use Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba to secure my funds as it helps me budget and plan better because I only withdraw money when necessary. “she said.

Chairperson for bicycle taxi operators at Chikonde Trading Centre, Justin Jazaland also hailed the awareness campaign saying this is the time to transact digitally to ensure financial security for his group.

“We’ve learned a lot today as we earn money in small amounts, it’s vital to keep it safe. And digital platforms solve challenges like losing money from our pockets or accidentally washing it with clothes. We’ll encourage others to embrace these methods.” Jazaland said.

Neno DFS Supervisor, Andrew Chafwala, said the campaign aims to boost financial inclusion and raise awareness on the benefits of using digital platforms to manage money securely and efficiently.

“We’ve reached rural communities, business people, women and marginalized groups and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Chafwala said, adding that the campaign will help people to realize advantages of adopting DFS.

He said their money will be safer and expressed hope that people will also cultivate a culture of saving and modern financial practices.

The district DFS Supervisor added that despite logistical challenges in reaching remote areas with poor road infrastructure, government has successfully connected the majority of Malawians through the initiative.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi in partnership with AC Consulting is conducting public awareness on DFS targeting different sections of the communities in Neno District.