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Zambian farmers set to profit from e-money vouchers
7 Dec 2010

Zambian farmers are set to benefit from a new e-money voucher scheme which will allow them to purchase equipment via their mobile phones, it has been revealed.

The Zambian government has teamed up with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation to launch the new programme in 28 districts following a successful trial in 12 regions, reports afrol.com.

Farmers who register with the scheme will receive pre-paid mobile phone vouchers courtesy of Mobile Transactions Zambia Limited (MTZL) to speed up the transaction process at participating agricultural retailers.

Hans Hesse, e-voucher manager of MTZL, expressed his belief that the electronic vouchers are more secure than their paper counterparts.

He told the news provider: "We are using mobile technology to improve access to financial services, and change the way companies, non-governmental organisations, and government work with the banked and the unbanked.

"Our vision is a cashless Africa."

The European Union has contributed with 7.5 million euros (£6.2 million) to fund the programme, while the Norwegian government has also given 5 million euros (£4.2 million).