By Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, October 23, Mana: As the world transitions from analogue to digital, Ministry of Finance has urged the youths in Thyolo to embrace electronic payment (e-payment) systems as the world is advancing in digital technology and transaction.

Digital Financial Service Specialist in the Ministry of Finance, Steve Mgwadira made the call on Tuesday during the Digital Financial Services (DFS) awareness Campaign conducted by the ministry in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) at Thunga Community Day Secondary School

He said youths have a significant role to play in this digital era as Malawi is migrating to e-payment systems.

“We are raising awareness among the youth about the e-payment. The youths should be able to pass this knowledge on to parents and guardians.

"The world is going digital, and it is vital for young people to engage in mobile banking through platforms like e-banks, Airtel Money, and TNM Mpamba,” Mgwadira added.

He noted that by embracing the digital era, the youth who are both present and future leaders will help pass the innovations from one generation to the next.

Reserve Bank of Malawi, Senior Analyst in the National Payment Systems Department, Setrida Thomas, said e-payment is convenient for young people as it reduces time spent standing in long queues to transact thereby allowing them to focus on other activities.

“We live in a fast-paced world where most youths are reluctant to wait in long queues to access banking services.

“The introduction of e-payment systems will ease this burden, freeing up their time for studies, business, and other pursuits,” she said.

Thomas added that there will be long-term benefits in targeting young people with e-payment education, observing that it will drive socio-economic development through promoting use of digital financial systems.

“We know that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Involving them in convenient ways to send, receive, and manage money will have a significant impact on the country's digital future,” she added.

Brenda Makilele, a 16-year-old student at Thunga CDSS, said was excited with initiative, stating that it will help her to save and send money with ease.

“E-payment will help my parents to pay my school fees and buy school necessities with ease,” the student stated, adding that the electronic payment was ideal and relevant as the world is becoming full of scammers and fraudsters.

The Digital Financial Inclusion and Competitiveness (DFIC) Project, which began in July 2024, is expected to conclude in January 2025.

DFIC is being implemented across all 28 districts in Malawi, including Thyolo, and targets communities under all traditional authorities in the district.