Dissertation (MA Business Administration)
Although Tanzania has companies providing mobile money services, penetration,
expansion and usage is still low. This study examined the challenges facing mobile
money transfer services and and their expansion in Singida, Tanzania. The study
adopted explanatory cross-sectional survey where questionnaires were used to collect
quantitative data from users of mobile money services including agents and
providers‟ representatives from for Aitel Money, Tigo-Pesa and Vodacom M-Pesa in
Singida district.
The study finds that there are significant challenges affecting market penetration and
expansion and regular use for mobile money. Financial problems for agents,
unavailability of network coverage and regulatory barriers to mobile money payment
systems industry are fundamental factors leading to low penetration level in Singida
and in Tanzania. Reduction of running cost, availability and stability of network,
training and information to users and amendments of mobile money policies are
necessary measures to raise usage, penetration and expansion
The study recommends feasible and economical network extension should be deployed
in rural areas, where most population is staying, for adoption of reasonable and
affordable prices of services provided by mobile money providers. Measures that can
help to strengthen financial status are required for agents, capital balancing between
electronic money and cash money. With regard to the findings, the study concludes that
infrastructural development in terms of electricity in both urban and rural areas and
policy amendments that will lead to costs reduction are among the important aspects that
have to be considered for improving market penetration level in Tanzania.