Sasai Econet Financial Services (SEFS) is expanding access to digital payments, international remittances and insurance in Lesotho, combining its EcoCash and EcoSure offerings with community initiatives aimed at making financial inclusion meaningful in everyday life.

SEFS’ approach connects the ability to transact with the means to prepare for financial setbacks, addressing needs shared by households, businesses and communities across Lesotho

“Financial inclusion must make a practical difference in people’s lives. For SEFS, that means helping a family receive money when it matters, enabling a business to accept payments and making financial protection more accessible,” said  the GM – SEFS, Mr Moeketsi Mafereka.

EcoCash’s merchant and agent ecosystem is central to this effort. EcoCash Agents provide cash-in and cash-out services, while EcoCash merchants enable customers to pay directly from their wallets. Alongside expanding access, the model creates commission-earning opportunities for EcoCash agents and additional payment channels for businesses.

“Our agents and merchants are essential partners in bringing financial services closer to communities. As this ecosystem grows, our ambition is to expand both access for customers and opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” Mr Mafereka said.

EcoCash’s Mekhatlo Account also brings a digital dimension to the familiar stokvel tradition across the Mountain Kingdom, helping savings groups manage pooled funds, track contributions and make payments. It supports collective saving while reducing reliance on physically holding cash, adding a practical layer of security and accountability to community-led financial cooperation.

Moreover, international remittance partnerships, including Sasai, Thunes and Mukuru, extend that connection beyond Lesotho’s borders, enabling Basotho abroad to support families at home through supported EcoCash services. For recipients, these funds can help meet education costs, household commitments and small business needs.

Within Lesotho, EcoCash’s participation in the National Payment Switch enables transfers between EcoCash and other participating mobile money wallets. This interoperability helps customers transact across providers, connecting people and businesses that use different services.

EcoSure complements these payment capabilities with financial protection. Its newly launched Family Cover provides funeral-related financial support that covers the entire family with a single premium, while Short-Term Insurance offerings include vehicle and eligible device cover, subject to policy terms.

For a trader whose phone receives customer orders, or a business owner whose vehicle supports daily operations, damage or loss can affect both household finances and the ability to earn.

SEFS’s community investment addresses related needs through the LDF Youth Development Programme, the EcoSure Burial initiative, Road Safety Awareness with Lesotho Bikers and the Women Know Your Car Campaign. These activities connect its work with youth development, support during bereavement, safer roads and practical vehicle knowledge for women.

Its involvement also includes the Moshoeshoe Walk, Ba One Pop Moshoeshoe’s Day, His Majesty’s Birthday Hike, Hillbusterz Marathon, Minet Marathon and MRTO Women’s Awards, extending its engagement through heritage, wellbeing and recognition platforms.

Supporting SEFS’s digital services is Econet Telecom Lesotho’s network footprint across the country.

“We take immense pride and congratulate Econet Telecom Lesotho on its recent recognition by Ookla as Lesotho’s Fastest Mobile Network. Its strong network footprint provides an important foundation for our work at SEFS, helping us connect more Basotho to payments, remittances and insurance services,” Mafereka said.

The recognition is based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for the first half of 2026.

Alongside access, SEFS emphasises customer education, which is equally important, covering transaction charges, insurance benefits, exclusions, premiums and claims requirements. Alongside this is awareness of online scams that trick customers into revealing PINs, passwords and one-time passwords (OTPs).

“Access must go hand in hand with awareness. Customers need to understand the services they use and how to protect their money, including keeping their PINs and verification codes private,” Mafereka said.

“Our ambition is for more Basotho to have the confidence and tools to move forward financially. Through EcoCash, EcoSure and our community partnerships, we are working to make that possibility part of everyday life.”