L-Pesa, a mobile financial services company is set to revolutionize the micro-finance industry. With a presence in 13 countries around the world including Fiji and India and soon coming to Uganda, L-Pesa offers hustle and collateral free micro loans from as low as $5 to as much as $3000 to individuals and SME’s entirely through their mobile phones. Think about getting a loan anytime, anywhere within seconds.
What is L-Pesa?
L-Pesa is a financial solutions company that uses progressive mobile banking to deliver microfinance loans. Essentially, L-Pesa is a microfinance institution that is using technology to transform your mobile money experience. We ensure that both businesses and individuals can become self-sufficient, by providing micro-loans to our customers.
Apart from borrowing money, what else can one do with L-Pesa?
L-Pesa also offers small loans to farmers who are in need of high quality seeds for the development of their farms. In addition, this service can be used to send money to your friends and family all over the world. Our service is unique due to its speed and convenience. For example to registering for L-Pesa takes about 30 seconds, and once you have applied for an L-Pesa loan, you can receive it within 5 minutes.
In how many countries does L-PESA actively operate in Africa?
In Africa, there are currently ten countries where you can make use of the services provided by L-Pesa. These include Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Egypt, Lesotho and Rwanda. Our services extend beyond the African continent though. In India for example, the popularity of L-Pesa continues to increase, and we already have more than 20,000,000 registered users.
HOW IT WORKS:
How does L-Pesa work?
Using L-Pesa is exceptionally simple. All you need to do is register your phone number, following which if you are legible for a loan, you can apply to receive one and have your application approved within minutes.
To begin with, a new customer should register their mobile phone number so that they can access the service. Next, the customer can apply for a loan and will be informed of how much must be paid back in each installment, and over what period of time. When the loan has been repaid in time, it is possible to apply for the next loan for a higher amount.
Who qualifies for a loan?
Anyone can qualify for a loan, as long as they have a registered mobile money account that has their original name as per their identification card. It is only when there is a mismatch of this information that one will be unable to use the services provided by L-Pesa. In addition, they need to have 6 months history with one of L-Pesa’s mobile banking partners, and have completed a minimum of 10 transactions on that mobile banking account.
How do you determine credit worthiness?
Credit worthiness is determined using our unique credit score system, which is based on a customer meeting a repayment deadline and completing the repayment as required. When this is done as per the terms and conditions, then a loan applicant will be given the opportunity to increase the minimum amount that can be borrowed.
Do people need collateral to borrow?
There is no need for any collateral to borrow. All you need to do is register your phone number and as I mentioned above, you must have a registered mobile money account with one of our mobile banking partners that has a minimum of 10 transactions and a 6 months history.
How do you ensure people pay back?
There are several ways. To begin with, the duration for repayment of the minimum micro-loan is spread over five weeks to ensure that the payback amounts are minimal. In addition, we offer incentives for those who repay as required with a credit score system. This system enables one to borrow more if they make their payments on time. If they fail to repay on time, then their credit score drops to zero and they need to build it up again. Finally, failure to pay the debt on time will require you to pay a nominal fine.
COMPARED TO THE TRADITIONAL BANK:
How Different is taking an L-PESA loan from taking a loan with the traditional bank?
L-Pesa helps customers overcome all the issues they would face when attempting to get a loan from a traditional bank. We are also interested in cultivating long term mutually beneficial relationships with all our customers. To begin with, there is the convenience of being able to get access to a loan from any location, and at any time of day or night using your mobile phone.
A traditional bank requires you to make your application physically at the bank during business hours. Furthermore, using L-Pesa is much faster than a traditional bank as you are able to get your loan within minutes. Finally, there is no need to fill out long and complex forms when you want to access a loan. With L-Pesa, all you need to do is register your mobile phone number.
What is the interest you charge on loans and how different is it from the bank?
When you take out a loan worth $5, you are required to make a weekly payment worth $1.40. This means that you will pay a total of $7. With a bank, you are not able to take a micro-loan, and the interest charge for your loan could be upwards of 15%. Furthermore, the repayment period for a bank loan is much longer, meaning that in the long run, your interest payments may amount to more than the principal amount that you borrowed.
THE L-PESA BUSINESS:
Who is L-Pesa’s target market?
L-Pesa’s target market is anyone who has a mobile phone and access to mobile banking services like MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Africell money, M-sente among others.
What is the response you have gotten from current users of L-PESA? Has it been positive?
It has been very positive, allowing us to expand and offer our services in 10 African countries and more in the near future. Furthermore, we have been able to extend what we have on offer, and include micro-loans for farmers which offer them access to high quality yields.
Any statistics on user base, volume of transactions?
The user base for L-Pesa has consistently grown since our services were launched. By the end of October 2015, L-Pesa had 32,000,000 registered users who have access to micro-loans. In Uganda, we expect to reach 5,000,000 users by the end of 2017.
COMPETITION AND REGULATION IN UGANDA.
Who regulates L-PESA operations- is it Bank of Uganda?
L-Pesa operations are regulated in every country that we operate in. This regulation is always done by a local national bank.
MTN Uganda is rumored to launch a similar service soon. Won’t this throw you out of business?
No it will not. Competition is always welcome as it provides L-Pesa the opportunity to improve our offering and cater to the specific needs of those in the Ugandan market. That is why in Uganda, we have entered into joint ventures with local partners from the micro finance market. All of these local partners are granted an L-Pesa license for seamless delivery of our services. Furthermore, our reach and convenience extends to numerous countries on the globe, providing fantastic options for all our customers.
THE FUTURE OF MOBILE MONEY:
How do you see Micro loans impacting business and development in Africa?
The impact is expected to be immense. The traditional banking sector has a large number of restrictions that has denied people access to finance, particularly at the bottom of the pyramid. Access to micro-loans will enable these people who are at a disadvantage to elevate themselves and their lives, allowing them to explore entrepreneurship and contribute to the development of the economy. Africa as a whole stands to benefit the most, due to the enthusiasm and commitment of the people looking to succeed.
What opportunities do Micro loans present for Africa?
The opportunities begin with the possibility of creating profit making enterprises, which in turn will lead to job creation and community development. In addition, micro-loans can help to revive and elevate the farming sector, increasing the current yield which will reduce poverty and food scarcity as well. Micro-loans are an excellent way to help people from all walks of life experience economic and financial freedom.
About Onyait Odeke
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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