Malawi is a digital finance success story in the making. MM4P’s engagement in the country coincided with the first pilots of digital wallets in 2012.

Since that time, Malawi has succeeded in bringing 1.8 million active users into the digital economy. This has occurred during serious macroeconomic shocks, droughts, political scandal and change. Since then, MM4P has provided technical advice and training to the central bank, the Reserve Bank of Malawi, as it developed its enabling regulation. MM4P has worked with the two largest mobile network operators to improve their agent recruitment and management, as well as customer acquisition and activity. Support was also provided to Opportunity International Bank of Malawi, Malawi Savings Bank and NBS Bank to refine their agent banking strategies, and to the latest entrant, Zoona, in navigating its legal entry. With USAID and the Better than Cash Alliance, MM4P supported the government in creating a roadmap for a cash-lite future, which is now leading to a more significant government usage of digital payments and, in prospective, rural coverage. In 2017, MM4P has turned its attention to underserved groups, helping several providers better recruit and support female agents, who are proven to reach more female customers.

MM4P is generously supported by DFAT, Sida, and USAID for its work in Malawi.