SA women drive digital inclusion charge

by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH African women are playing a leading role in the country’s digital inclusion, both as first-time smartphone users and income earners.

This is according to the inaugural South Africa Impact Report by M-KOPA South Africa, the local subsidiary of the M-KOPA Group, a pan-African financial technology (fintech) company.

Women now make up 49 percent of M-KOPA South Africa’s customer base, the highest proportion across all M-KOPA markets, with 36 percent being first-time smartphone owners, compared to 24 percent of men. In addition, 88 percent of female customers report an improved quality of life since joining.

Women account for 84 percent of M-KOPA’s 1 300 South African sales agents, up from 49 percent the previous year, supported by flexible working arrangements and safety measures including a partnership with AURA.

More than 60 percent of agents say the role was their first income-earning opportunity, while 73 percent report increased earnings.

Cameron Perumal, General Manager, M-KOPA South Africa, said reaching over 100 000 customers was more than a milestone.

“It represents 100 000 pathways into the digital economy.”

Perumal said South Africa’s unemployment crisis demands bold, inclusive solutions, and when “Every Day Earners” gain access to fair and flexible financing, they use it to unlock income, stability and opportunity.

Since launching in South Africa in 2023, M-KOPA has served more than 105 000 customers and unlocked over R370 million (US$22,5 million) in credit through its smartphone financing model, which requires no collateral or formal proof of income.

M-KOPA has served over 7 million customers and unlocked more than US$2,5 billion in credit across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa since 2010.

– CAJ News