• Masterpass QR will give boda-boda riders and customers a safe and convenient mobile digital payment option


• Partnership is fully supported by the government, and will drive financial inclusion while advancing Tanzania’s goal to become a cashless economy

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 22 October 2019: NMB Bank PLC today announced it has partnered with Mastercard to provide commercial motorcycle riders (boda-boda riders) and customers in Tanzania with a digital payment solution. The mobile technology, Masterpass QR, will enable riders to receive payments from customers directly to their NMB bank accounts, introducing them to a safe and secure payment platform that includes them in the financial ecosystem

Leveraging Mastercard’s QR technology, the cashless payment solution will also enable boda-boda riders to track their income, while allowing customers to conveniently and securely pay for trips by simply scanning a QR code or a merchant pay number using the USSD option on their mobile phone. The service will first be launched in Dar es Salaam and then rolled out in Mwanza, Arusha, Ruvuma, Dodoma and Mbeya in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the announcement, Jenista Mhagama, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled), said: “This great partnership is fully supported by the government as it now provides access to suitable and secure payment options for the boda-boda community whilst also making a positive contribution to the country’s economy. We are confident that this move will help to formalize the boda-boda business.”





 

Ruth Zaipuna, NMB Bank’s Acting Managing Director, said: “The digitization of boda-boda payments is a key component of NMB’s drive to enhance financial inclusion within the communities and among its customers. We all understand the obvious security risks that come with handling cash. With Mastercard QR, we are providing an efficient means for boda-boda riders to receive payments from all MNOs and commercial bank customers that are Mastercard QR enabled directly into their NMB Bank accounts, thereby eliminating cash. This move will not only help boda-boda riders enjoy banking services, but also secure their money as well as their own personal safety.”

Adam Jones, Area Business Head East Africa, Mastercard, said: “Tanzanians are technologically savvy and have a proven appetite for digital payments. This partnership will not only provide boda-boda drivers and customers with a seamless, superior payments experience, but is also a significant step towards creating a cashless economy across the country. Boda-bodas are one of the most popular modes of transport in Tanzania, so we are confident that the implementation of this cashless solution will have a substantial impact on driving inclusive growth as well.”

The free mobile payment solution is expected to accelerate safe digital payments and financial inclusion among boda-boda riders. NMB is planning to reach over 75,000 riders in one year alone, and plans to reach at least two million boda-boda riders in a few years. Over 1,000 boda-boda riders have been trained so far on the use of the instant QR payment on mobile, highlighting its simplicity, convenience and other benefits.

To pay for a boda-boda ride, the passenger simply scans a QR code on the NMB mkononi app. They can also pay with a feature phone; dial *150*66# to access the NMB Mobile menu, select ‘payment services’ and select ‘Mastercard QR’.

Notes to editors

About NMB

NMB Bank Plc. (“NMB”) is a full service commercial bank incorporated in the United Republic of Tanzania. Through its 4 main business divisions: Retail, Wholesale, Agribusiness and Treasury, NMB provides a suite of financial services and products to retail customers, farmers, SMEs, Corporates, Institutions and the Government.

The bank has 229 branches, over 6000 agents ‘Wakala’ and more than 800 ATMs across the country and is represented in all districts of Tanzania. NMB has over 3 million customers and employs over 3,000 staff. It is listed at the Dar Es Salaam Stock Exchange and its largest shareholders are the strategic partners Rabobank with a 34.9% share and the Government of Tanzania with a 31.9% share.

Euromoney awards for excellence selected NMB as the “Best Bank in Tanzania” for 7 years in a row from 2013-2018. Rewarded an award for Best Blended Finance partner in Africa for banks working with International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group and Best Retail and Best Commercial Bank in Tanzania by the Banker East Africa Magazine. For more information about NMB and its services, please visit our website: www.nmbbank.co.tz

For more information, contact:

Rahma Mwapachu, NMB Bank Plc Ag. Head of Corporate Communications.

Email: Rahma.Mwapachu@nmbtz.com

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews and at @MastercardMEA join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.