Transforming small businesses through digital tools

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth has partnered with MTN Group Fintech and Arifu to support approximately one million small businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda

This collaboration aims to digitise operations, promote the use of digital financial services, and enable access to digital marketplaces through the MoMo Coach chatbot. As part of Mastercard Strive’s global initiative, the program focuses on equipping small businesses with critical digital skills to bolster their resilience and growth. It also provides chatbot-ready business-building content, which is now accessible in Kenya and Nigeria.

Small businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those affected by the pandemic, face substantial hurdles in adopting digital tools. By December 2022, only 27.65% of businesses in the region had adopted such tools to improve efficiency, up from 19.44% in August 2020. A lack of necessary skills remains a key challenge, hindering growth and access to financial services. MoMo Coach addresses these issues by offering free, easy-to-access upskilling content through popular messaging platforms.

Empowering digital entrepreneurs

With support from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and delivered by Caribou Digital, the program enables small businesses to embrace digital tools, secure funding, and effectively engage in digital marketplaces. It aligns with Mastercard Strive’s broader vision of empowering 18 million small businesses globally to transition to digital, gain access to capital, and build valuable networks.

“Small businesses are vital to Africa’s growth and create opportunities for a more resilient and inclusive regional economy. We are delighted to catalyze 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,” remarked Subhashini Chandran, senior vice-president of social impact for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

The MoMo Coach, powered by Arifu’s Grasp Platform, uses mobile messaging to deliver micro-learning experiences. It is accessible via various platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, SMS, and MoMo, offering entrepreneurs flexibility to access actionable tips for unlocking growth in the digital economy.

Serigne Dioum, CEO of MTN Group Fintech, stated, “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.”

In Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda, the program has reached over 930,000 MTN customers, merchants, and agents. More than 75,000 small business owners have accessed free digital courses, with over 45,000 actively using MoMo Coach. Course topics include “How to Start Your Business,” “Money Management,” and “Grow and Secure Your Business,” addressing challenges such as affordability and access to relevant business knowledge, helping entrepreneurs navigate the digital landscape.