Orange Botswana continues to extend its digital payment facility with various businesses in the local economy.

The latest partnership is a bill payment solution via Orange Money targeting Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), a government finance arm for SMMEs.

“We are excited to have partnered with CEDA to drive greater financial inclusion by bringing our financial services closer to Batswana,” said Orange Money CEO Seabelo Pilane, adding that the development will positively contribute to growth of the informal and finance sectors.

Pilane said Orange Money will continue to explore new avenues to help bridge the financial gap in Botswana.

The development comes fresh on the heels of Orange Money launching Card-To-Wallet service, enabling customers to transfer money online from any bank account to an Orange Money wallet.

According to Orange Botswana, this solution will enable seamless financial transactions between the formal banking environment and that of Orange Money, providing Batswana with an inclusive solution that provides ‘24/7 convenience’ especially during the movement restrictions of the current pandemic.

Meanwhile CEDA revealed it has rolled out the bill of payment USSD to all mobile money facilities, including Mascom’s My Zaka and BTC’s Smega to ensure customers can check for their loan application status in real time and calculate how much they qualify for.

CEDA CEO Thabo Thamane said the new USSD is part of the agency’s multi-pronged digital strategy to ensure seamless services offering to customers.

“The aim of the strategy is to provide relevant technology medium and platforms that sufficiently and effectively address key challenges and expectations currently experienced within CEDA. In order to execute the strategic intent, the agency has established a digital transformation capability with a specific mandate to redefine digital client interactions and improve internal efficiencies,” said Thamane.