Author Topic: M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app  (Read 4347 times)

Offline Nefertiti

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M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app
« on: April 06, 2021, 03:51:04 AM »
Tusker dwarf first serious move to be like Alipay or WeChat

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/financial-standard/article/2001408631/inside-safaricom-plan-to-take-on-tech-giants-with-super-app

♫♫ They say all good boys go to heaven... but bad boys bring heaven to you ~ song by Julia Michaels

Offline hk

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Re: M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2021, 04:29:40 PM »
Tusker dwarf first serious move to be like Alipay or WeChat

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/financial-standard/article/2001408631/inside-safaricom-plan-to-take-on-tech-giants-with-super-app
I doubt Mpesa is going to become a super app. Mpesa had a golden opportunity to integrate Mpesa and masoko to create an ecommerce /mobile app behemoth. The recent feature upgrade https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/m-pesa-to-generate-customer-receipts-bills-for-businesses-3270976 aren't going to make Mpesa a super app. Hacking the payment part is the hard part which Mpesa has done, adding other features around payment can't be too difficult. The likely outcome is that another nimble innovative company might offer or facilitate Mpesa payments then add other features on top of Mpesa.   My humble a layman opinion.

Offline RV Pundit

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Re: M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2021, 05:36:33 PM »
Let see if the pokot will pull thro - Ethiopia is make or break for mpesa - but global app - mmm

Offline Nowayhaha

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Re: M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2021, 05:44:05 PM »
Let see if the pokot will pull thro - Ethiopia is make or break for mpesa - but global app - mmm

Mpesa had a breakthrough technology then monopolized Kenya through assistance by politicians and oligarchy. Due to this they stopped innovation and their idea was revitalized in other parts of the word .
Once Uhuru leaves office within a matter of years Mpesa wont be able to even compete in Kenya . Kenyata family through NCBA has interests in Mpesa, Mshwari and Fuliza . Uhuru personally decides who becomes C.E.O. of Safaricom .

Offline Nefertiti

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Re: M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2021, 07:02:18 PM »
Let see if the pokot will pull thro - Ethiopia is make or break for mpesa - but global app - mmm

Mpesa had a breakthrough technology then monopolized Kenya through assistance by politicians and oligarchy. Due to this they stopped innovation and their idea was revitalized in other parts of the word .
Once Uhuru leaves office within a matter of years Mpesa wont be able to even compete in Kenya . Kenyata family through NCBA has interests in Mpesa, Mshwari and Fuliza . Uhuru personally decides who becomes C.E.O. of Safaricom .

M-pesa was first-to-market nothing breakthrough. Akin to Nokia. The cellular mast network shielded them from global competition so far. You see cloud, video streaming, ecommerce, ride hailing - they have been beaten to a pulp by MNCs. Bottomline Safaricom is not an innovator so it is a matter of time before the M-pesa advantage runs out. Stock stuck at <15b for years.
♫♫ They say all good boys go to heaven... but bad boys bring heaven to you ~ song by Julia Michaels

Offline Nefertiti

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Re: M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2021, 07:04:18 PM »
Let see if the pokot will pull thro - Ethiopia is make or break for mpesa - but global app - mmm

MJ himself is MD of Mpesa Global... they been trying 10 years to roll out in TZ, DRC, Afghanistan but totally flop.

INNOVATE. No ifs or buts. Taking mere till numbers to Ethiopia won't cut it.

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-joseph-17459011
« Last Edit: April 14, 2021, 08:19:30 PM by Robina »
♫♫ They say all good boys go to heaven... but bad boys bring heaven to you ~ song by Julia Michaels

Offline Nefertiti

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Re: M-Pesa ambitious plan to be global super-app
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2021, 07:10:46 PM »
Tusker dwarf first serious move to be like Alipay or WeChat

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/financial-standard/article/2001408631/inside-safaricom-plan-to-take-on-tech-giants-with-super-app
I doubt Mpesa is going to become a super app. Mpesa had a golden opportunity to integrate Mpesa and masoko to create an ecommerce /mobile app behemoth. The recent feature upgrade https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/m-pesa-to-generate-customer-receipts-bills-for-businesses-3270976 aren't going to make Mpesa a super app. Hacking the payment part is the hard part which Mpesa has done, adding other features around payment can't be too difficult. The likely outcome is that another nimble innovative company might offer or facilitate Mpesa payments then add other features on top of Mpesa.   My humble a layman opinion.

No, hk, you are no layman.

Yes Masoko, streaming, sharing and other PRODUCTS are necessary so that Mpesa strings together the ecosystem. I am cutting the dwarf some slack but nothing so impressive so far. Not seen any big names being hired since Alpha Lab was shuttered. Instead entire Alpha squad left for Microsoft and elsewhere. Check out Dr Kagonya Awori, Dr Shikoh Gitau, Dr Kamal Bhatachrya.
« Last Edit: April 14, 2021, 08:21:32 PM by Robina »
♫♫ They say all good boys go to heaven... but bad boys bring heaven to you ~ song by Julia Michaels