By Thandiwe Kubere

MASERU – Econet Telecom Lesotho, on Wednesday gave green light to joining forces with the country’s renowned companies- LNIG Hollard, Mukuru and Pick n Pay, as part of its continuous efforts of providing improved services to Basotho and celebrating a decade of being in service.

Celebrating over ten years of Sasai Financial Services empowering Basotho through Ecocash and EcoSure services, ETL deemed it wise to expand its ecosystem to respond to its clients’ everyday needs by making smart alliances.

The General Manager of Sasai Financial Services ‘Matikoe Letsie, described the day as that of excitement as it marked the celebration of a remarkable journey of over 10 years with EcoCash and EcoSure being in service. “It is an honor to stand before you as the General Manager of a team that has tirelessly worked to transform lives and reshape the landscape of financial services. A decade ago, we embarked on a mission to bring financial inclusion to every corner of our nation. Our vision was clear: to empower individuals, families, and businesses with accessible, reliable, and innovative solutions. And today, as we reflect on the path we’ve walked, we can proudly say that we have exceeded those aspirations”, she beamed.

She further declared the pioneering mobile money platform, Ecocash, has become a symbol of convenience, empowerment, and progress. During its course, it did not only revolutionize the way clients make transactions but also become a catalyst for economic growth and stability. Over the years, EcoCash played an immense role in empowering entrepreneurs to launch and expand their businesses, assisted families in sending and receiving funds across distances, and communities so as to access financial services that were once beyond their reach.

Celebrating this milestone, the company enlightened on two developments which demonstrates its commitment to innovation and service. “We are proud to announce our partnership with Mukuru, a leading remittance service. This collaboration will bring even greater ease and speed to international remittances, connecting families across borders and enabling them to send and receive funds securely through the EcoCash platform”, she said, further ensuring that their clients’ loved ones will be taken care of.

On that note, she declared they are also expanding the company’s ecosystem in order to address everyday needs through an alliance with Pick n Pay. This was to introduce and ensure a seamless grocery payment experience so that clients get to shop at ease. “Imagine being able to shop for your essentials and settle your bill effortlessly using EcoCash. This is yet another step towards providing holistic financial solutions that enhance the lives of our customers”, she said.

She further highlighted that the journey to this moment was marked by innovation, dedication, and a commitment to listening to the needs of customers. It has been about forging partnerships and building bridges that have strengthened the ecosystem and amplified the impact of EcoCash services.

“As we stand on the threshold of the future, we are filled with renewed enthusiasm. The next chapter promises even greater possibilities – more innovation, more inclusion, and a continued dedication to creating lasting positive change. Our journey has been one of growth, and we pledge to continue growing, evolving, and adapting to the changing needs of our society. So, let us celebrate not just the years that have passed, but the lives that we have touched, the futures that we have shaped, and the stories that we have become a part of. Here’s to over a decade of service, innovation, and progress – and to the many more years that lie ahead, brimming with possibilities” smiled Letsie.

ETL Marketing and Communications Liteboho Mojakhomo EcoSure stated the company is celebrating over ten years of empowering Basotho and was further a gift that keeps on giving. “We are here to celebrate keeping Basotho in mind because they come first.”

The Mukuru Country Manager ‘Maleseli Mohapinyane, declared she believes the partnerships bring good change in the lives of Basotho. “I have great joy in my heart because I know we have went over this idea for a long time and ETL has been consistently reminding us of EcoCash. So indeed today is a special day because finally, our friendship with Sasai Financial Services has been approved.” She further declared Basotho can now receive money from several countries through their EcoCash accounts. She stated this was a big deal because Mukuru is one of the prevalent companies in Africa which mainly works with and vouches for digitalization.

“We are approaching days when holding money with hands will be a thing of the past and therefore our friendship with EcoCash is one of the steps in approaching a different way of handling and using money. We are moving towards a time when we will not have to use money through our hands but rather check transfers and make transactions at ease through our mobiles”, said Mohapinyane.

She further assured that this new partnership will ensure that money is transferred instantly, safely and securely across countries. This is because it has come to the realization that more Basotho keep leaving the country to find greener pastures and provide for their families. Moreover nothing beats the comfort of knowing that their hard earned money is easily, instantly and safely transferred. This was promised to be immediately availed in the following countries; South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and the United Kingdom so that clients can easily transfer and attain money through their EcoCash.

“We are therefore grateful for our partnership with EcoCash and we promise Basotho that we value them and listen to their pleas and this is why the partnership was formed in the first place. Every Mosotho in the aforementioned countries will be able to send money through their EcoCash without having to wait for days and join on long queues”, she said.

Concluding, Letsie thanked the ETL team for the good work ethic, the unwavering trust of customers, and the collaboration of partners for adding a hand in improving lives and providing better services to Basotho. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who have played a role in making EcoCash and EcoSure not just services, but forces for good.”