Zain Group, a pioneer of mobile telecommunications in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, announces that its mobile operation in Sudan has launched the country’s first ever mobile Mobile Financial Service called ‘Hassa’, in partnership with the Bank of Khartoum.
The easy, instant and secure service allows all Zain customers in Sudan to complete a wide range of financial transactions and operations, including money transfers and various other transactions, including paying bills and withdrawal of cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) without the requirement of opening a bank account.
At a launch ceremony held in Khartoum, Sudan’s Minster of Sciences and Telecommunications, Dr. Tahani Abdallah offered her support to the new service, stating that the extension of financial services to the unbanked in Sudan will have a huge impact on the economic development and social enhancement of many communities across the country.
Mr. Elfaith Erwa, Zain Sudan’s CEO and Managing Director commented, “’Hassa’ represents a true partnership between the banking and telecommunications sectors, and has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many Sudanese. Zain has cooperated successfully with the Bank of Khartoum for many years, and our mutual understanding and support has led us to being able to offer this much needed mobile banking service together.”
Mr. Erwa continued: “This service extends the use of mobile phones beyond only communications, contributing even further to the enrichment of people’s lives and fulfilling the potential we always knew existed for our services. In addition, ‘Hassa’ boosts the status of Sudan as a pioneer in mobile banking services and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Minister of Sciences and Telecommunications, Dr. Tahani Abdallah, and the entire Ministry for their vision and support in helping us bring this service to commercialization.”
The Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan, Mr. Abdel Rahman Hassan, expressed his enthusiasm over the economic and social gains that are likely to accrue from extending banking services to the unbanked, as well as for the potential ‘Hassa’ possesses in attracting more national savings through formalized channels.
Mr. Fadi Al Faqih, CEO of the Bank of Khartoum expressed his confidence that Hassa will result in many benefits for the users of the service, as well as for society in general, and would be available in 95% of Sudan’s populated areas.
Mr. Al Faqih added, “’Hassa’ is a secure, easy and instant service, which does not have any operational complications and is available around the clock. In addition, it simplifies financial operations to the masses at all times as well as providing a low cost service to suit all users.”
According to Mr. Omer Omarabi, Manager of the Electronic Banking Services company (EBS) in Sudan, ‘Hassa’ is a leap forward for Sudan as amongst other things it permits easy and fast payment means that assist electronic government projects and can be a tool in paying salaries for both governmental and private sectors.