By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, November 4, Mana: Communities in Traditional Authorities Mtwalo, Jaravikuwa and Kampingo Sibande have applauded the Ministry of Finance for taking digital finance services education to their door steps.
The seven-day exercise which began on 29th October has seen ministry representatives in partnership with Mzimba North District Information Office conducting interactive road shows in the district’s main trading centers.
In separate interviews, business people and individuals have expressed gratitude for the exercise, which they say, has helped reaffirm their trust towards use of modern digital financial service tools.
Mary Msachi, from Madang’ombe village in the area of Traditional Authority Mtwalo who plies her trade at Chambo Market, said even though she had heard on radio about use of modern digital tools to keep her money, she never had the confidence to do so.
“I have learnt that keeping money in my phone is safer. For example, we get our goods in Mzuzu. Traveling with cash that far is risky, rather, I will travel with my phone and cash out right there where I am ordering the goods,” said Msachi who is a second hand clothes seller.
Kenneth Msime a trader at Enyezini Trading Center in the area of Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande said the coming of the civic education message to the area is an answered prayer because in most villages people keep money in their homes.
“Enyezini is one of the areas where people are still keeping money in their homes. Like this time when farming season is beginning, many farmers get robbed of cash as they travel to the city to purchase fertilizer and other farm inputs.
Memory Chiwowa, a trader at Area 1B market in Mzuzu City said use of modern digital financial tools has eased challenges faced by people living with disabilities because instead of traveling long distances to access services, they are able to get the services through phones.
“Through mobile services, I am able to pay bills and send money wherever I want without traveling long distance,” said Chiwowa who is leg amputee.
Esther Mbalame, Digital Finance Education Field Supervisor for Mzuzu City said the program came about after noticing some gaps in use of modern digital financial services.
“The main purpose of coming up with the campaign was to encourage masses to embrace digital financial tools that are available and ably use them to their advantage.
“We believe that after the exercise more people will see the importance of using these tools to access digital financial services,” said Mbalame.
Amongst other areas, the campaign was also done at Nkhorongo, Zolozolo, Chiputula, Mchengautuwa, Chiwavi and Masasa in Mzuzu City, and Bwengu, Enukweni, Ekwendeni, Jombo in Mzimba district.
