Making Upatu savings accessible through USSD

Work

I spearheaded KIJUMBE, a USSD-based savings solution for informal Upatu groups. The product needed to fit an existing savings practice while making participation possible through a handset-based service, in partnership with Vodacom M-Pesa and Absa Bank.

Execution

1. Shape the savings use case

   Led the development of a service tailored to informal group savings and the way Upatu participants organise contributions.

2. Build for USSD access

   Directed the product’s USSD-based delivery so the service could be accessed without requiring a smartphone app.

3. Coordinate the financial partners

   Worked with Vodacom M-Pesa and Absa Bank as partners in the savings-product initiative.

Results

• Developed a USSD-based savings product tailored to Upatu groups.
• Created a handset-accessible channel for informal group savings.
• Brought the product together through collaboration with M-Pesa and Absa Bank.