Digital payments new norm during Ramadan
By Mourice Seretta
Ramadan is a time of reflection and togetherness. The pandemic has not changed this experience but shifted it to the online world. Digital Ramadan is now the norm and digital payments have played a key role in facilitating this.
Whether it’s shopping online for gifts, sending money to family and friends for celebrations or making donations to charity and causes we care about, digital payments have become a key part of how millions around the world celebrate Ramadan.
“We expect this trend to intensify, especially for customers sending remittances to Africa,” said Sharon Kinyanjui, the Director of EMEA Receive Markets at WorldRemit. “The number of receive customers opting for digital payout methods such as mobile money has been on an upwards trend.”
Mr. Daniel Lutaaya, a former boxer currently working in trading and marketing in the UK, says digital remittances have changed how he and his Kenya-based family celebrate holidays and important family functions.
“During this time of the pandemic, I am planning to be close to my family, especially my wife Zaina Muhamed and immediate family members who I have not managed to visit in over a year. My daughter also recently finished studying at the United States International University, Nairobi, Kenya, and we are grateful for this milestone,” he said.
Mr. Lutaaya, who runs Diaspora Trading Services, a UK based trading and marketing firm, says digital remittances have become a key part of his life. “I send money back home every month, sometimes even on a weekly basis. I do it digitally and it is also received digitally,” he said, adding that this has saved time and money compared to when remittances were done through paperwork and agents.
The former professional boxer, who plied his trade in the UK before an injury forced him to hang his gloves, said many migrants have increased support for their families and loved ones over the past year. “Now I am an entrepreneur, having studied media and event management program at the University of West London. I take pride in being able to support and stay connected with my loved ones through my business,” he said.
Last year, Kenyans abroad sent back a record Ksh.341 billion representing an equivalent Ksh.932 million every day, according to data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
At WorldRemit, we understand the importance of sending money during this season and offer a number of International money transfer options including:
●Bank transfer
●Airtime top-up
●Mobile money
●Cash pick-up
Ramadan Kareem.
For more information, visit: www.worldremit.com
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