Developing a Merchant Network That Also Does Agent Services

Edom Tsegaye of Kifiya Financial Technology in Ethiopia will promote the use of mobile money in Ethiopia by enabling merchants to both accept digital payments from customers and provide them with associated services such as prepaying so they can make digital payments elsewhere. Mobile money is practical and safe but is still not being commonly used. This approach will promote uptake as well as simplifying and accelerating the process by cutting out the need for an agent network. It will also provide merchants with additional income. They will utilize existing infrastructure at the National Bank of Ethiopia, and pilot test their approach by supplying the necessary near field communication technology to a group of merchants, consumers, and suppliers, and at a transport site. Uptake and usability will be evaluated.