Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs has urged youths in Thyolo District to embrace electronic payment (e-payment) as the world is moving towards digital technology.
The ministry’s digital financial service specialist Steve Mgwadira said this on Tuesday at Thunga Community Day Secondary School during the digital financial services awareness campaign jointly conducted by the ministry and the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM).
He said: “We are raising awareness among the youth about the e-payment. The youths should be able to pass this knowledge to parents and guardians.
“The world is going digital and it is vital for young people to engage in mobile banking through platforms such as e-banks, Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba.”
RBM National Payment Systems Department senior analyst Setrida Thomas said e-payment is convenient for young people as it reduces time spent on queues.
She said: “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.”
Thomas said there will be long-term benefits in targeting the youth with e-payment education, observing that it will drive the country’s socio-economic development.
Brenda Makilele, a 16-year-old student at Thunga CDSS, said she was excited with the initiative, adding that it will help her to send money with ease.
“E-payment will help my parents to pay my school fees and buy necessities with ease,” she said.
The Digital Financial Inclusion and Competitiveness Project, which started in July 2024, is expected to wind up in January next year. It is being implemented in all the country’s 28 districts.
