As digital financial services continue to transform the way emaSwati conduct transactions, Eswatini Mobile is steadily strengthening its presence in the financial technology space through its electronic wallet platform, e-Mali.
Speaking about the service, Finance Manager Mpendulo Masimula explained that the mobile wallet service allows customers to send, receive and save money using their mobile phones while also making secure electronic payments for everyday services and purchases.
Positioned as an affordable, convenient, accessible and secure payment solution, e-Mali is becoming part of the country’s growing shift towards cashless transactions.
“Our strategic direction is firmly anchored in Inyatsi Group Holding’s vision to be Africa’s leading integrated business partner, a vision inspired by His Majesty King Mswati III’s aspiration for a first-world Eswatini,” Masimula noted.
“This national vision motivates our pursuit of excellence, digital innovation and inclusive national development. In alignment with the Inyatsi Group vision, e-Mali Ltd leverages technology to empower communities, enhance service delivery and expand access to formal financial services, particularly for underserved segments of society,” he explained.
Customers using the platform can pay utility bills such as water and electricity directly from their phones without having to travel or stand in queues.
The service also allows users to purchase airtime for all mobile networks and subscribe to Eswatini Mobile’s No-Frills packages, including airtime and data bundles.
Through e-Mali, customers can buy airtime, including Mozambique prepaid and South African prepaid airtime, for their own numbers or for other Eswatini Mobile subscribers, making the service useful for both personal and family transactions.
Expanding Merchant Network
The platform has also expanded into various sectors of the economy through partnerships with businesses and service providers accepting mobile wallet payments, Masimula stated.
Motorists can now pay electronically at selected Engine service stations using e-Mali, while customers dining out can make payments at restaurants such as Ramblas and Jazz Friends.
Other businesses that have integrated e-Mali into their payment systems include Infracast and Embiveni Meat Industries, among others.
e-Mali offers customers a wallet size of up to E50 000, while the daily transactional limit stands at E10 000 per transaction type. Customers are able to deposit money into their wallets through Eswatini Mobile Experience Centres, authorised agents and NPS transfers.
For all transactions, customers are required to present identification documents.
Cash withdrawals can also be made through Eswatini Mobile Experience Centres, authorised agents and Eswatini Bank ATMs, giving customers multiple access points to their funds.
Money Transfers and Registration
The service further allows customers to send money to banks, MTN MoMo wallets and other e-Mali users.
– Sending Money
– Enter the recipient’s mobile number or bank details.
– Enter the amount to be sent.
– Confirm the transaction using your PIN number.
– The recipient receives the funds directly into their wallet or bank account.
Activating e-Mali
To activate the service, customers first complete the Vela registration process, which requires:
– An original identification document.
– Proof of residence.
– A clearly recognisable photograph.
– Once the Vela process is complete:
– Dial *232# to register for e-Mali.
Self Registration
Customers who completed Vela registration but did not automatically opt into e-Mali can self-register through the following process:
– Dial *232#.
– Select “Register”.
– Enter the same ID used during Vela registration.
– Enter your region.
– Enter your source of wealth.
– Receive an SMS containing a PIN number, which can later be changed.
Focus on Convenience and Security
Masimula said the platform was developed to provide customers with a secure and reliable digital financial solution that supports everyday transactions.
“We are focused on driving financial inclusion and making financial transactions easier, safer and more accessible for emaSwati. e-Mali gives customers the convenience of managing payments, sending money and purchasing services directly from their mobile phones while also ensuring affordability and security,” said Masimula.
He said the company, using Agility, continues to expand the merchant network and partnerships in order to make the service available across more sectors of the economy.
“As digital payments continue to grow, we want customers to have a platform they can use comfortably for transport, fuel, shopping, utilities, events and many other services,” he added.
Partnerships and Events
The platform has also strengthened its visibility through partnerships with major local events.
e-Mali recently partnered with the Times of Eswatini for its inaugural marathon scheduled for May 23, where the mobile wallet service will be one of the official payment methods during the event, the manager added.
The service has also partnered with the Nhlangano Town Council Marathon set for August 22, as well as the Embiveni Biggest Braai event. July 25 , where vendors and attendees will be able to conduct safer and more convenient financial transactions using e-Mali.
With digital payment adoption continuing to rise across Eswatini, e-Mali is positioning itself as a growing financial solution for customers seeking convenient and secure mobile transactions across different aspects of daily life.
