The Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) with financial support from the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) organized a national policy research dissemination conference on 30th September 2020 at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe. This conference was organized to disseminate the findings of the research work on “Promoting mobile money use through training and text-messages in Malawi” undertaken by the association’s members:  Associate Professor Levison Chiwaula (Department of Economics, Chancellor College); Ms Mirriam Matita (Department of Extension, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources); Mr Lucius Cassim (Department of Economics, Chancellor College) and Mr Marcos Arguto.

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The findings of the study revealed that financial education that is reinforced with text-message reminders is an effective way to increase knowledge and use of mobile money services. In addition, integrating mobile money into Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), improves access to and use of financial services among unbanked people.

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The conference attracted about 25 experts from both the private and public sectors, academic and other civil society organizations. The event was presided over by Professor Winford Masanjala, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, as the Guest of Honor and he delivered the keynote address.

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The policy brief can be accessed here and PowerPoint presentation on the study can also be accessed here.

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