The phone company Digicel announced yesterday the details of the pilot phase of its project of mobile banking service in Haiti, a service that will facilitate access to a range of financial services to the Haitian people. This phase will be launched as envisaged in October in partnership with an ONG which directs a program of "cash-for-work" in Haiti and one of the more large banks operating in the country.
This pilot project, which will extend over 6 weeks, will make it possible hundreds of users to test transactions of deposits, withdrawals, transfers of money from a cell phone to another and refill it with minutes. Digicel and its financial partner also work in close cooperation with the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (Banque de la République d’Haiti BRH) on the lawful aspect of the project.
The ability to send and receive cash from a cell phone will significantly improve the lives of Haitians. Anticipating the conventional banking model, offering the ability to transact safely and affordable, this product will reduce the risks and financial costs of operations, will help boost economies and create jobs.
With only 15% of the Haitian population holding a bank account, the concept of mobile banking service will certainly be a success in Haiti where cellular penetration is now over 40% [in strong increase] versus 5% in 2006 [estimate Digicel].
