M-PAiSA money transfer initiative launched

Vodafone Fiji’s M-PAiSA service, launched yesterday, has made Fiji the first country in the Pacific to introduce a Mobile Phone Money Transfer Service in the market.

Chief Guest during the launch, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the service will enable un-banked and non-saving Fijians to participate in the mainstream financial sector.

“M-PAiSA signals another but a completely new avenue through which Fijians will access financial services,” Bainimarama said.

Bainimarama said M-PAiSA’s full potential will be realized once there is connectivity throughout Fiji.

“After all, it is those on the margins, those in the rural and island areas that need accessibility and connectivity.”

“Therefore, it is imperative that all providers of communication offer increased and better connectivity,” he added.

Bainimarama assured M-PAiSA is fully backed up by Government and has been endorsed by the Reserve Bank of Fiji.

“This is indeed a milestone and demonstrates not only Fijian potential but also our capacity and knowledge base,” he said.

One can send, receive, withdraw and buy recharge by using the M-PAiSA service through electronic means.

Vodafone Corporate Affairs Manager Shalendra Prasad said in time to come, people will be able to pay for utilities such as electricity and water rate bills and for pay TV channels from the M-PAiSA service.