How a Co-operative Apex Enables Financial Inclusion Through Digital Transformation in eSwatini

The National Apex Body of SACCOs: ESASCCO

This is where the national apex body of SACCOs, ESASCCO, enters the scene. By providing the core banking system MAMBU to SACCOs in eSwatini and neighbouring countries, ESASCCO enables the primary co-operatives to fully digitalise their operations. Being cloud-based and highly customable as well as allowing for integrations of external systems, SACCOs are now able to offer their members first-class digital banking solutions. As the costs of the service are shared among many primary co-operatives, it becomes affordable for the individual SACCO.

Partnership with DGRV

DGRV supports ESASCCO in the provision of MAMBU in various ways to bridge the growth path towards self-sustainability of the project. By contributing to the appropriate equipment with employees, the necessary support for SACCOs – both when adopting the system as well as during the day-to-day operations – is facilitated. A multitude of trainings and workshops empowers the SACCOs to use the system in an optimal way and to collaborate amongst each other. Another key element of the partnership consists of the continuous technical advice on strategy planning and operational implementation. This includes technical and financial support in the further development of the system to suit the needs of the ultimate beneficiary – the members of SACCOs.

Another milestone in the partnership was achieved by jointly positioning ESASCCO as a strategic partner of the company providing the core banking solution. Through highlighting and documenting the impact ESASCCO is creating for members of primary co-operatives, MAMBU has now recognized them as a key partner in achieving their own vision and corporate social responsibility.

Impact

Through the service provision by ESASCCO, more than 20 SACCOs in eSwatini, South Africa and Lesotho have digitalised their operations and services. As a result, more than 24,000 members now have access to a broader range of digital financial services. This includes the remote access to their accounts and products including loans which in turn dramatically decreases the costs of banking, e.g. by lowering transport costs. The possibility to communicate with members via the system allow for easier and more timely interaction between co-operatives and their members.

The remote access to the SACCO – both for members and for employees – played a crucial part in sustaining access to financial services during the pandemic. It further significantly contributed to position SACCOs as modern, professional businesses.

The project further impacts the SACCOs by allowing them to professionalize and standardize their business operations which in turn reduces costs for the members. The cloud-based system ensures a high degree of data security and accessibility comparable to that of commercial banks in the global North. By making all transactions and activities traceable, the system actively enhances transparency and accountability towards the members.

As ESASCCO is able to customize the system according to the needs of each individual SACCO as well as to adapt it to future developments, SACCOs now feel better prepared for the future.