Zamtel innovativeness cheers government

….Mupwta says new innovation will enable people not send and send money but also pay for goods and services across network

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka (16-05-19) The Zambia Telecommunication Communication Corporation (Zamtel) has once again surprised the world with yet another new innovative application which will enable the people not to send and receive money but also pay for their goods and services.
Zamtel Managing Director Sydney  Mupeta told journalists during the launch Number Nueteral Capability Feature on Zampaz that application which will accommodate all networks both local and international is a world class number one innovation.
Once used well, Mupeta explained, the application will open up new opportunities which will simplify lives of Zamtel clients and beyond.
“With this application, the people will be able to purchase goods and services, including Water, ZESCO units, DSTV and other services available on the mobile money platform.
He explained that the product represents Government’s vision towards achieving not only a cashless society and but also answers the call to increase financial inclusion.
Unlike the earlier product which was only accessible to Zamtel clients, the ZamPay Number Neutral Capability Feature will now allow customers on all networks to download the ZamPay Application and be able to enjoy the benefits of transacting by Zamtel subscribers.
“This development is a huge milestone for Zamtel and for the people who previously did not able to use the system due to limitation. 
Mupeta urged the people of Zambia to take advantage of the new innovation and enjoy the benefits that comes with it.
Mupeta is hopeful that ZamPay will be an integral part of the daily lifestyle for the people.
Mupeta further disclosed that, Zamtel has embarked on a transformational journey towards digitization.
Zamtel will soon come up with other innovative products and services not only relevant but will bring convenience to the lives the people.
“Zamtel we recognize that, customers today are extremely busy and require products which are not only “On the Go!” but also safe and secure.
“The launch of the Number Neutral feature on ZamPay is a response to the customers who need to have a seamless payment solution to addresses the busy lifestyles of the people regardless of which network they are on.”
He called on the business houses to the business to register as merchants on ZamPay.
“A huge number of businesses from various economic sectors have so far registered as merchants from the time we launched the product last year.”
He further hopes the launch of the number neutral feature on ZamPay, more people will start making transactions using this payment solution and this calls for business houses to prepare themselves for this unprecedented demand for the ZamPay service.
He said registering as a merchant on ZamPay will eliminate the risk of handling huge sums of cash and will bring about efficiencies in the cost of running business.
He also urged business houses
to take advantage of the ZamPay solution and register as merchants to allow their customers make transactions using this payment solution.
He further encouraged to download the ZamPay App to start enjoying the benefits of this exciting innovation.
And speaking when he graced the launch Number Neuteral Capability Feature, Minister of Transport and Communication Brian Mushimba praised Zamtel for coming  up an innovative products.
He said the government was excited at the innovation saying it will open up to more people to enjoy the benefits of using ZamPay as a payment solution.
He said the innovation behind the product reaffirm government’s commitment to encouraging the deployment of solutions that seek to deepen financial inclusion in Zambia.
He said with the ZamPay number neutral capability feature, ZamPay will no longer be restricted to Zamtel customers.
This additional feature will not only ease the process of transacting for many but will positively impact on people`s day to day lives.
He said the government welcomes the introduction of an all-inclusive feature on ZamPay saying this widening the customer base.
He said it was the government’s desire is to grow the number of people with access to financial services to more than 60% by the year 2030.
He explained that the setting up of financial services demonstrates not only the confidence investors have in the economy but also highlights a paradigm shift in the mindset of our people towards a cashless society.
He also warned the people to be wary of some unscrupulous people or groups of individuals who wants to take advantage of the growth in the mobile money sector to defraud innocent citizens of their hard-earned money.

He said the government has received numerous reports of cases where unsuspecting people have fallen victim of this treacherous syndicate.

He said  the criminal acts, if left unabated, have the potential to erode all the confidence built in the mobile money ecosystem.
He however assured the public that his Ministry through ZICTA and the investigative wings of government is working round the clock to clamp down on these fraudsters.
He said his Ministry is in the process of finalizing the establishment of the Zambia National Cyber Security Agency which will re-enforce government’s efforts in bringing perpetrators to book.
He urged the Zambian people to use recognized and authorized mobile money platforms, including ZamPay which will provide essential solutions to ease service delivery and improve overall business operations.
He said with the introduction of the number neutral capability feature that allows people on all networks to use the platform, ZamPay will help a number of large and small businesses reduce the cost of doing business and handling cash.
“It therefore follows that embracing digital payment solutions like ZamPay will fast-track my Government’s efforts towards achieving a cashless culture and economy.”