Table 4

Timeline of M-Pesa financial inclusion scheme

YearTimeline of events
2003Early conceptualization by Vodafone and Safaricom
2005M-Pesa is officially launched as a pilot project by Vodafone (owners of Safaricom) in partnership with Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA)
2007Full-scale launch of M-Pesa and expansion through a network of agents
2008–2009Further growth and expansion of M-Pesa by enabling the receipt of remittances inflow. M-Pesa launches M-Shwari, a product that allows users to save and access small loans via their mobile phones
2010International expansion of M-Pesa into Tanzania
2011M-Pesa focused on increasing the number of people with access to basic financial services especially in rural areas
2012M-Pesa is recognized globally for its success in driving financial inclusion
2013M-Pesa teams partner with more commercial banks to create a broader mobile banking ecosystem
2017–2020Launch of additional financial services, including mobile loans, insurance and expanded financial offerings
2023Ongoing regional and global expansion

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal