Monitise launches trial mobile payments service in Nigeria

Monitise, a mobile banking service provider has launched a trial mobile payments service in Nigeria. The service is tested in four cities and 11 rural locations across four states under a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provisional licence.

Monitise’s pilot has already created 16 full-time jobs for field support staff to assess, vet, recruit and train agents. Funds can be deposited by agents at branches of Monitise’s first Nigerian bank partner, Afribank. Once users have registered, whether by simple self-registration or through an agent, they can access Monitise Mobile Money through an internet browser on their mobile handset.

Although the service works across all mobile networks, Etisalat Nigeria, the country’s fastest growing mobile network operator, is providing Monitise with access to their call centre, USSD service, promotional material, dealer network and agent assistance.

Monitise has been supported by the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), which has provided grant funding to assist in the launch of its Mobile Banking and payments service.

The trial involves the four states of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. The 11 rural locations are: Epe, Otta, Ayobo-Ipaja, Akufo, Ologun-eru, Apete, Gwagwalada, Ikorodu, Gawaki, Jikwoyi and Choba.