Heleza – Imbita Swaziland Women's Finance Trust

IMBITA'S HELEZA *9108# PLATFORM

Revolutionizing financial inclusion with Heleza, the game-changing USSD short code *9108# has transformed the financial industry. Housed by Imbita, this innovative platform allows members to conduct transactions from anywhere in the country, enabling seamless digitalization of our services. With Heleza, members can save, apply for loans, open accounts, and even register as new members.

The development of Heleza was a response to the call from USAID, in collaboration with Grameen Foundation and the American Bar Association, to provide a digital financial service. Recognizing the existing gap within our organization and among our members, Imbita seized this opportunity to create real financial inclusion in the industry. Our commitment to this vision was validated when Heleza secured second prize in the prestigious DSF competition, with invaluable support from the MTN Foundation. In fact, Heleza itself stands as a testament to its name, which means “to move fast or flow fast” – perfectly capturing the essence of its efficient and speedy platform. This name was suggested by our esteemed Imbita clients, who have been avid users of the service.

Since its launch 24 October 2022, Heleza has witnessed remarkable success, facilitating over 25,000 monthly transactions. Our members can now conduct their financial activities from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating unnecessary time and effort spent on traveling to physical branches.

Imbita’s partnership with the MTN Foundation, through the DFS Innovation Prize, has further elevated Heleza’s capabilities. With in-kind support, we have digitized our savings and credit processes, allowing customers to conveniently transact through Heleza. Through this groundbreaking initiative, Imbita is expanding its services to reach more clients, particularly underbanked rural women. By digitizing our savings, credit and insurance offerings, we aim to reduce loaning costs, extend our market reach, and most importantly, address the mobility-related barriers hindering women from accessing credit for their businesses. With Heleza, Imbita is poised to redefine financial inclusion, empowering individuals and transforming lives.

Heleza represents a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the financial services industry in Eswatini. Imbita, with the collaboration of various organizations, has successfully paved the way for financial inclusion, empowering individuals, especially underbanked rural women. With its continued growth and increasing adoption rate, Heleza is set to transform the lives of many more individuals and continue to drive financial inclusion in Eswatini.