In a country where approximately 80% of the adult population lacks a formal bank account, MTN South Sudan is taking a bold step to bridge the gap of financial exclusion. In collaboration with MTN Fintech, the company has launched its latest mobile money initiative, the MoMo campaign titled “Mata Fekir.”
The phrase, which translates to “What are you thinking?” or “Don’t worry,” is more than a slogan; it’s a promise to simplify financial transactions, encourage savings, and bring digital empowerment to communities across the nation.
A Coalition for Economic Change
The launch event, held at the Pyramid Continental Hotel on Monday, September 1, 2025, was a powerful display of public-private partnership.
Top MTN executives, including CEO Mapula Bodibe and MTN Fintech CEO Francis Matseketsa, were joined by senior officials from the Bank of South Sudan, the South Sudan National Communication Authority, and key development partners like the World Food Programme and the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce for the launch of the campaign.
According to Ms. Bodibe, this collaboration is “crucial for building a secure, reliable, and trusted digital financial ecosystem.” She noted that the involvement of regulators and government bodies signals a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and financially connected South Sudan.
Bringing Financial Security to the Unbanked
In a cash-based economy with limited physical banking infrastructure, mobile money services are not just a convenience; they are a lifeline.
Hence, the “Mata Fekir” campaign, as Ms. Bodibe reiterated, is designed to provide secure, affordable, and convenient financial services to individuals and small businesses, addressing major barriers to financial inclusion such as the lack of formal identification documents and low financial literacy.
By promoting the adoption and use of MoMo, MTN aims to reduce cash dependency, lower the costs associated with cash transactions, and provide a bridge for the unbanked to participate in the formal economy. The campaign’s focus on encouraging savings, in particular, offers a vital tool for families and businesses to build financial resilience against a backdrop of economic instability.