By: Ginaba Lino
MTN FINTECH South Sudan has introduced a new digital product called the MTN MOMO School Fees Payment Service, aimed at simplifying school fee payments, reducing transaction costs, and minimizing the risks associated with carrying cash to banks.
The service is designed to promote a cashless economy in South Sudan, offering a more convenient, secure, and affordable way for parents and guardians to pay school fees.
During the launch event, the CEO of MTN-FINTECH Services, Francis Matseketsa, highlighted MTN’s role in supporting government initiatives and the Central Bank’s efforts to move towards a cashless economy.
He emphasized the importance of building a digital payment ecosystem in South Sudan to reduce the operational costs associated with handling large amounts of cash in the country.
“At MTN FINTECH, we are complementing the government’s efforts and those of the Central Bank of South Sudan by driving the transition to a cashless economy through innovations like the MTN MOMO School Fees Payment Service,” Matseketsa said. “We are helping reduce the high costs and risks of carrying South Sudanese Pounds for both citizens and the government.”
The new service is expected to bring much-needed convenience to parents and guardians, enabling them to pay school fees from the comfort of their homes using MTN’s MOMO platform, without the need for physical trips to the bank or school. Matseketsa highlighted the platform’s benefits, including savings on transportation and time.
“This program brings convenience by allowing parents to pay school fees for their children through MOMO, eliminating the need for costly trips by boda-boda or car to the school or bank,” he explained. “Parents can now make payments at home or through nearby MOMO agents.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, David Lowela Ladu, Director General of Basic and Secondary Education, praised MTN for its innovative approach to supporting the development of the country.
He noted the significant impact this platform will have on ensuring safety, as it reduces the risk of theft and robbery associated with carrying large sums of cash.
“This digital platform is a great step forward in protecting parents and the general public from the dangers of being targeted by criminals while transporting cash,” Ladu remarked. “It offers security and convenience, something much needed across the country.”
Ladu also assured that the Ministry of Education will work to ensure the successful implementation of the service in schools nationwide, adding that this initiative aligns with the government’s vision for a more digitalized economy.
The payment process using MTN MOMO is simple and user-friendly. Parents and guardians will need the student’s school ID to complete the transaction.
By dialing *200# and selecting option 3, they can navigate to the school fees payment section, where they will be prompted to enter the student’s ID number. After confirming the details of the student, including their name, school, class, and the outstanding amount, payment can be made directly through the platform.
The launch of this service marks another step in MTN South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to digitalize the country’s economy and make essential services more accessible and efficient for all citizens.