There seems to be so much to deal with these days, traffic, fuel scarcity, non-existent work-life balance or even keeping in shape. The good news is that with all these new fintech apps(SafeBoda and Wave Uganda), there is one less thing you need to worry about, and that’s access and usability to your money. Both are born amidst the chaos of telecom companies failing to innovate beyond SIM card interfaces like USSD and SIM toolkits.
Both SafeBoda and Wave Mobile money is providing mobile money services and utility payments through the app but how do they stack against each other. Let’s find out in our Wave vs SafeBoda mobile money comparison.
1. Sending Charges
Sending fees have always been my dreaded service charge when it comes to mobile money service. All telecoms operating mobile money in Uganda charge sending costs for wallet transfers or cross-platform transactions which I find ridiculous. Both Wave and SafeBoda mobile money have taken different approaches when it comes to treating sending costs.
Wave mobile money charges a 1% fee when you are sending money from one Wave wallet to another and a maximum flat fee of 12,500UGX for any transaction over 1,250,000UGX . This is so far the only available service charge on the platform and by far the only way Wave mobile money makes money.
SafeBoda mobile money on the other hand doesn’t charge any sending cost for wallet transfers. You can send money from one SafeBoda to another for free.
Here is a breakdown of the sending charges between Wave Mobile money and SafeBoda Mobile Money service in Uganda;
| Min | Max | SafeBoda Mobile Money | Wave Mobile Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 2,500 | Free | 25 |
| 2,501 | 5,000 | Free | 50 |
| 5,001 | 15,000 | Free | 100 |
| 15,001 | 30,000 | Free | 300 |
| 30,001 | 45,000 | Free | 450 |
| 45,001 | 60,000 | Free | 600 |
| 60,001 | 125,000 | Free | 1,000 |
| 125,001 | 250,000 | Free | 2,500 |
| 250,001 | 500,000 | Free | 5,000 |
| 500,001 | 1,000,000 | Free | 10,000 |
| 1,000,001 | 5,000,000 | Free | 12,500 |
2. Withdraw Charges
Let’s go through the withdrawal charges for both SafeBoda and Wave Mobile Money.
SafeBoda charges a minimum fee of 350UGX for transactions up to 15,000UGX and a maximum service charge of 10,000UGX for transactions between 500,001UGX and 3,000,000UGX . They decided to have withdrawal charges as the primary source of how they make money for their service at the moment and their rates look affordable compared to the competition. To be candid and fair, their charges are cheaper than Wave’s approach to charging a 1% extra charge on sending fees.
Wave mobile money has no charges for withdrawals and is free at the moment.
It’s worth noting both Wave and SafeBoda mobile money have a cap on daily withdrawals amount of 5,000,000UGX however, SafeBoda has not provided withdrawal charges for transactions over 3,000,000UGX on their materials.
| Min | Max | SafeBoda Mobile Money | Wave Mobile Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 15,000 | 350 | Free |
| 15,001 | 50,000 | 750 | Free |
| 50,001 | 100,000 | 1,500 | Free |
| 100,001 | 250,000 | 2,500 | Free |
| 250,001 | 500,000 | 5,000 | Free |
| 500,001 | 3,000,000 | 10,000 | Free |
READ ALSO: Wave Mobile Money and MTN MoMo Comparision in Uganda.
3. Utility Payment
Utility payments have become a standard service to offer especially when you are a fintech startup. Both SafeBoda and Wave mobile money offer utility payments and the difference is how many providers they support.
SafeBoda mobile money allows the purchase of airtime and payments for TVs, Water, and electricity bills. The catch with using your SafeBoda at the moment is the cashback they offer i.e. 10% Cashback on Airtime Purchases and other perks when you make utility payments. We previously discussed in our blogs the approach SafeBoda is taking with their super app and the services they are providing here .
Here is a breakdown of all utility payment options provided by Wave and SafeBoda mobile money in Uganda;
| Wave Mobile Money | SafeBoda Mobile Money | |
|---|---|---|
| Service charges | Free | 1UGX for utility payments 10% cashback for airtime and data purchase |
| Utility payment options that are available | Yaka, Umeme, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, DSTV, and GOTV Airtime purchase [MTN and Airtel] | Merchant payments options at shops, bars, and restaurants UMEME, Yaka, Water bills [NWSC], DSTV, AZAM TV, GoTV and StarTimes Data Bundle purhcase [MTN. Airtel and Roke Telecom] Airtime purchase [MTN and Airtel] |
4. Agent Networks and Availability
Choosing your mobile money provider always comes down to how many agent networks and their availability. How many locations can you easily withdraw your money from and the last-mile network when you send money to your family in the village are all significant parameters.
SafeBoda mobile money is only available within the city center at the moment i.e. Kampala and its surrounding suburbs. You can use the app and check for agents near your location. The feature is available when you are withdrawing money, you see first the list of all agents near you and choose which one to use.
Wave mobile money on the other end is well established and its presence is all over the country. They have invested in setting up shops, branding, and agents and empowering their agents to be happy with commissions for registrations of new customers. So far, it seems a perfect match and no party is complaining. When unsure if there are Wave agents near your location, you can use this link to check for Wave agents .
5. Offline Access
It is nearly impossible to top telecom companies’ mobile money offline access with USSD . Anyone and every device can withdraw or deposit money even when there is no internet. Fintech apps on the other hand are finding a workaround to fulfill that position as well.
Wave mobile money uses a QR code on a card for offline access. Customers without smartphones are registered and given a card with a QR code which they can use to deposit and withdraw money from their Wave accounts.
The closest thing for SafeBoda on the other hand is being zero-rated on the MTN network. Meaning you can use the SafeBoda app even when you don’t have an internet data bundle as long as you are using an MTN sim card for internet connection. Away from that, you can only use the SafeBoda app when you are connected to the internet.
6. Deposit Charges and Features
Both SafeBoda and Wave mobile money do not charge deposit charges when adding money to your wallet and rightly so. As for features, both companies are keeping it simple. SafaBoda is slightly ahead as they offer additional services through their super app. Wave on the other hand is keeping it straight to its mission of “ your money is yours “.
For your account to hold
The Verdict
Mobile money service has always had 3 valuable value propositions since its inception; affordability , reliability , and availability . Both SafeBoda and Wave mobile money tick those boxes when you are choosing to use either service. If you want countrywide access, Wave mobile money is the logical option at the moment however, I am positive SafeBoda will soon start a countrywide network of agents and be a force to reckon with.
Have you decided on your stance in the battle of the SafeBoda vs Wave Mobile Money? Let us know in the comment section below.
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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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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