The MasterCard Centre for Inclusive Growth, MTN Group Fintech, and Arifu have collaborated to assist about one million small businesses in Cote d'Ivoire and Uganda digitise their operations.

The parties stated that the agreement will expand the usage of digital financial services and access to digital marketplaces via the MoMo Coach Chatbot.

This program, which is part of the Center's global Mastercard Strive initiative, aims to improve the resilience and growth of small businesses by offering critical digital skills.

MasterCard said this is one of the methods for disseminating chatbot-ready business building content for small firms in the region, which is already available in Kenya and Nigeria.

According to a company statement, small firms in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those affected by the pandemic, have faced considerable challenges to adopting digital technologies.

It went on to say: “As of December 2022, only 27.65% of businesses in sub-Saharan Africa had adopted digital tools to enhance their efficiency, showing a slight improvement from 19.44% in August 2020.

“A lack of relevant skills continues to limit their growth and access to essential financial services. MoMo Coach addresses these gaps by providing free, accessible upskilling content via popular messaging platforms.”

Supported by the MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth and delivered by Caribou Digital, this program equips small businesses with digital skills, enabling them to adopt digital tools, access capital, and engage more effectively in digital marketplaces.

According to the company, the program aligns with MasterCard Strive's broader goal of reaching 18 million small businesses around the world to go digital, get capital, and access networks and know-how.

“Small businesses are vital to Africa’s growth and create opportunities for a more resilient and inclusive regional economy. We are delighted to catalyse a partnership between MTN Group Fintech and Arifu to equip almost one million small business owners with the digital skills and knowledge essential for thriving in an increasingly digital economy, setting them up for success,” said Subhashini Chandran, MasterCard centre for inclusive growth, senior vice president of social impact for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa

The MoMo Coach solution, powered by Arifu’s Grasp Platform, uses mobile messaging to deliver micro-learning experiences. It is accessible across multiple channels, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, SMS and MoMo.

This, according to the parties, gives small business owners and entrepreneurs flexibility in accessing practical, actionable tips to unlock growth opportunities in the digital economy.

Serigne Dioum, CEO of MTN Group Fintech, further added: "Empowering small businesses with digital skills is key to driving inclusive growth in Africa. Through MoMo Coach, we are unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of business across the continent."

The program has been rolled out in Côte d'Ivoire and Uganda, reaching over 930,000 MTN customers, merchants, and agents, with more than 75,000 small business owners accessing free digital courses and over 45,000 actively engaging with MoMo Coach.

Courses offered include "How to Start Your Business," "Money Management," and "Grow and Secure Your Business."

These courses, according to three companies, are based on insights derived from MoMo merchants and agents, and they address key challenges like affordability and access to relevant business knowledge—enabling small business owners to navigate the digital landscape.