TNM unveils Agulu bundle for the young and free

* The youth will explore numerous potentials in the process contributing to the overall development of the country

* Agulu is an exciting package designed for the youth to do more using the mobile technology

By Duncan Mlanjira

Malawi’s pioneer mobile network and ICT services provider, TNM Plc has launched the first-of-its-kind youth development bundles dubbed ‘Agulu’ to enhance young people’s capabilities and productivity through mobile phones.

Agulu, which will be available for use from Wednesday, August 30, is a product that targets to help the youth demographic below the age of 26, offering them access to specialized services that includes data, voice, and SMSs to help them connect and enhance their capabilities.

Head of Brand & Marketing, Madalitso Jonazi, said TNM envisages that the youth will explore numerous potentials in the process contributing to the overall development of the country.

Head of Brand & Marketing, Madalitso Jonazi

“Agulu is an exciting package designed for the youth to do more using the mobile technology. At TNM, we believe in supporting and empowering the youth through innovative solutions that can help the youth to develop and explore their capabilities to thrive.”

He added that Agulu products underscores TNM’s passion towards creating value for the youth in Malawi.

“Through this innovative solution, we are reiterating our commitment to support the youth in their journey to success, as a matter of fact, the youth are our great partner.

“The product is suitable for the youth whether in education, in business or simply staying in touch with friends and family,” Jonazi said.

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The ground-breaking youth product comes in daily, weekly and monthly packages to meet the different needs of youth segment.

“Agulu is a unique innovation helping the youth exploit technology according to their needs. The packages come with free data usable on social media platforms,” Jonazi said.

The Agulu movement is streamlined to provide freedom of communication in the process exposing the youth to the world of great possibilities.

“TNM is a youthful, fun and dynamic brand with our philosophy hinging on creating possibilities for all segments.

“We are certain that the product offering will help the youth to be aligned with the world trends and motivate them to achieve exponential growth,” said the Head of Brand & Marketing.

TNM has assured the youth of continuous innovations around the Agulu product as a way of providing impetus for growth to this special segment.

To access the Agulu bundles, youth below the age of 26 need to dial *202# or use the TNM Smart App. TNM will use KYC to determine qualifying age range of the user.

Meanwhile, TNM Plc has become the first mobile telecoms network service provider in Malawi to offer cash loans using mobile phone wallets.

General Manager Christopher Sukasuka told reporters in Lilongwe that the loan attracts a protrated interest rate of 6%, a penalty of 0.5% and access fee of 10% — where customers exceed a prescribed repayment of 30 days.

He said the maximum amount currently allowed is K20,000 in form of either cash or electronic value from an agent or bank, and electronic wallet value.

“The cap will increase over time,” he said. “This is the smartest way to manage finances in these hard times. It takes away the stress from customers, as it is the easiest overdraft to get, accessible 247 on your phone wherever one is.

“It’s difficult to obtain loans when one needs most from conventional banks, but TNM Mpamba has eased that burden. Our agents will also be able to complete transactions even when they don’t have positive balance.”

Sukasuka, who was flanked by TNM Plc Chief Executive Officer, Michel Hebert and Managing Director of Huawei Malawi, Gu Mu at the official TNM technology partner, further said the key eligibility requirement is customers who have used Mpamba for 90 days and satisfying know your customer (KYC) requirements.

“An interest rate of 6% per month, protrated, will apply and a penalty of 0.5% and may accrue where customers exceed a prescribed repayment period of 30 days.

“Such interest will be necessary to cover the service costs when customers exceed 30 days before crediting their wallets. The funds will be deducted from the same Mpamba wallets,” he said.

Dubbed TNM Mpamba Ndikankhe, the facility offers a financial envelope allowing customers withdraw cash or transact with equivalent value using their TNM Mpamba wallets.

Sukasuka said apart from the option of cash advances, Mpamba Ndikankhe will provide overdrafts for payment categories such as utilities, merchant (POS) payments, satellite television subscriptions, airtime and bundle recharges and person-to-person (P2P) transfers.

He said apart from the option of cash advances, Mpamba Ndikankhe will provide overdrafts for payment categories such as utilities, merchant (POS) payments, satellite television subscriptions, airtime and bundle recharges and Person-to-Person (P2P) transfers.

The General Manager said apart from individual customers, the overdraft facility has also been extended to agents to allow them to transact with more than their wallet balance.

Determination of agent overdraft registration/limit will be based on agent’s monthly commissions, transaction volumes (cash in, cash out, airtime top ups and agent bill payments) and duration on Mpamba (6 months).

Through the facility, agents will be able to carry out customer cash in, ESCOM token sales, TNM airtime/bundle sales plus other Mpamba agent bill payments that may be introduced.

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He said Mpamba Ndikankhe is safe as it is protected by TNM Mpamba’s safety features that include PIN encryption, and privacy settings. Mpamba Ndikankhe will operate within the legal framework provided by   the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM).

Sukasuka said Mpamba Ndikankhe highlights TNM’s commitment to contribute to economic growth activities by applying mobile telecoms technology.

“TNM Mpamba strongly believes that providing our customers with credit at concessional rates as Mpamba Ndikankhe does, will shred the barriers to financial inclusion while accelerating growth of the credit society and fulfilment of personal and institutional financial goals,” he said.

On his part, Gu Mu said Huawei is working hand in hand with TNM Plc to transform the telecoms landscape in Malawi by offering life-changing innovations such as the latest loan product.

“We are committed to improve the telecoms landscape with TNM, and we will continue to support them to build best network and mobile money platform in Malawi,” he said.

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