Focusing on financial inclusion and simplifying business payments, the M-Pesa Business platform aims to increasingly establish itself as the leading digital partner for both formal and informal businesses in Mozambique.
Erica Varinde, Head of the M-Pesa Business and Payments Department, explains how the platform is already transforming the way companies operate. What services and features does M-Pesa bring to the business segment?
M-Pesa Business offers a diverse range of technological payment and collection solutions designed to facilitate and digitize the financial processes of companies, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Among these solutions, Mass Payments (B2C) stand out, allowing simultaneous transfers to multiple M-Pesa accounts—ideal for salaries and subsidies—Payment Collection (C2B), which facilitates receiving funds through digital and in-person channels, and the Mini Apps feature, which integrates personalized business services directly into the M-Pesa app. Integration via Open API enables automation of financial processes between business systems and M-Pesa, with continuous technical support. The offering also includes digital vouchers for promotions or consumption, direct salary payments with SMS notifications, and the Paga Fácil solution aimed at merchants and SMEs for simultaneous payment management. These functionalities aim to increase efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and promote financial inclusion in Mozambique.
How has the market reception been to this offering?
It has been extremely positive. In a short time, we have reached a portfolio of over 20,000 companies and institutions from various sectors. These clients use our solutions for different purposes: from salary payments, social subsidies, payments to suppliers, to collecting payments for goods or services provided. This growth is driven by the ease of service adoption, M-Pesa’s extensive network, and constant support for each partner. We have also noticed increasing interest from institutions looking to digitize their financial flows securely, accessibly, and with lower operational costs. This shows that we are responding to a real market need.
What types of companies are currently benefiting from M-Pesa Business solutions?
The system was developed to be an inclusive, scalable, and adaptable solution for companies of all sizes—from microenterprises and SMEs to large corporations—provided they meet identification and compliance (KYC) requirements established by current regulatory standards. Regardless of business volume, M-Pesa solutions are prepared to effectively meet the operational needs of companies seeking to optimize their payment flows, increase financial process efficiency, and improve the experience of their clients and employees.
The platform adapts both to organizations with complex structures and to small businesses needing practical, secure, and easy-to-implement digital solutions. Currently, sectors with the highest adoption of M-Pesa solutions include essential services such as water supply, energy, subscription TV, and internet; public administration, which uses the platform for digitizing collections and payments; and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which rely on the service to distribute humanitarian aid and subsidies. Also notable are agriculture, particularly in paying producers in rural areas; the oil and gas industry; the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector; e-commerce; financial services; and the betting and entertainment segment—all benefiting from fast, secure, and integrated digital payment solutions. This sectoral diversity proves the flexibility and strategic value of M-Pesa Business as a tool for accelerating business digital transformation in Mozambique.
One highlighted solution is the ability to receive payments, either in person or remotely. Could you explain how this integration works and what the requirements are?
Integration with M-Pesa Business is done through the Open API, an advanced technological solution that allows companies to connect their systems directly to the M-Pesa platform. This tool enables the automation of collections, payments, transaction reversals, and other financial operations in real-time, with high security and reliability. Compatible with e-commerce platforms, mobile applications, and management systems (ERP), the API allows creating customized payment experiences, both digitally and in person. Features include receiving customer payments (C2B), automated disbursement of amounts like salaries or subsidies (B2C), and transactions between business accounts (B2B). Key benefits include reduced operational costs, greater control and traceability, seamless integration with digital systems, and an optimized customer experience. The entire process is supported by a specialized technical team, ensuring implementation tailored to each company’s needs.
Another relevant feature is the possibility of mass payments. How does this service work?
M-Pesa’s mass payment (B2C) service allows companies to make multiple, instant transfers to individual M-Pesa accounts quickly, securely, and efficiently by simply submitting a digital file. It is ideal for salary payments, subsidies, per diems, humanitarian aid, or small-scale suppliers. Companies with more advanced systems can integrate the solution directly into their ERP or HR platforms, automating processes and ensuring greater control and efficiency. Security is ensured through portal authentication, automatic beneficiary validation, multiple approval levels, and exportable reports. In some commercial regimes, beneficiaries can also access additional financial products such as insurance, microcredits, and advances, expanding the positive impact of the solution. This is therefore a strategic tool for companies that value operational efficiency and financial inclusion.
In terms of innovation, what new features or improvements are being developed for 2025?
We highlight the expansion of the salary payment service, now accompanied by additional employee benefits such as insurance (funeral and health), voice, SMS, and mobile data packages, generating value for both companies and employees.
A dedicated mobile app for payment of public fees and services will also be launched, developed in partnership with government entities, allowing fast, secure, and hassle-free digital transactions. Meanwhile, the M-Pesa corporate API will be redesigned to allow simpler integrations, with accessible documentation, facilitating SMEs’ entry into the digital ecosystem. Another focus will be expanding the Mini Apps platform, enabling direct integration of business solutions into the M-Pesa environment, eliminating the need for external apps. With this, partners will be able to offer personalized experiences, access management and loyalty tools, all within a unified digital ecosystem.
What are the prospects for the future of M-Pesa Business?
Our commitment to the future of M-Pesa Business in Mozambique is clear and unwavering: to lead the digital transformation of the business ecosystem, driving efficiency, innovation, and financial inclusion across all provinces of the country.
We are building a future where any company—regardless of size, sector, or location—can operate with simplicity, security, and agility, integrating their financial processes into a robust, scalable, growth-oriented digital platform. Our commitment is to continue launching cutting-edge digital solutions adapted to the Mozambican reality, focusing on interoperability, automation, and excellence in user experience.
We want to expand our strategic partnerships, connecting more sectors of the economy to the M-Pesa network—including energy, agriculture, transport, health, education, and public services—and strengthen technical support to companies, ensuring an assisted, personalized, and efficient digital journey. We aim to accelerate digitization in rural and peri-urban areas, democratizing access to financial services and promoting sustainable development. We believe M-Pesa Business is more than a payment platform: it is an engine of economic progress, a catalyst for digital transformation, and a strategic partner for all organizations aspiring to grow, innovate, and positively impact the lives of Mozambicans. The future is digital. And with M-Pesa Business, that future has already begun.
Text & Image: M4D
