…as Vodacom launches Tsetela investment platform
Seithati Motšoeneng
BASOTHO can now invest directly from their mobile phones following the launch of Tsetela, a new mobile investment platform introduced by Vodacom Financial Services in partnership with STANLIB Lesotho.
Launched yesterday at Mpilo Boutique Hotel in Maseru, Tsetela — which means “to invest” in Sesotho — enables eligible M-Pesa customers to transfer money directly from their mobile wallets into a regulated investment account, earn daily interest, monitor their balances via USSD, and request withdrawals.
The platform is designed to make investing accessible to ordinary Basotho by removing traditional barriers such as bank account requirements, lengthy paperwork and high minimum investment amounts.
The launch of Tsetela was said to represent a significant expansion of M-Pesa’s role in Lesotho.
Since its introduction, M-Pesa – the mobile money platform – has primarily been used for airtime purchases, bill payments and person-to-person transfers.
With Tsetela, M-Pesa has extended into savings and wealth creation by allowing customers to access regulated investment products directly from their mobile wallets.
Vodacom Lesotho said it believed the platform’s nationwide reach, supported by its extensive M-Pesa agent network, would make investing more accessible by eliminating the need for customers to travel to bank branches or complete lengthy application processes.
The company said this would address the main obstacles that had discouraged many Basotho from investing, including distance, paperwork, perceived complexity and the belief that investing was only for the wealthy.
Speaking at the launch, Vodacom Lesotho Chief Executive Officer, Mohale Ralebitso, said financial inclusion should extend beyond access to payment services to enable people to build wealth and plan for the future.
“Financial inclusion goes beyond access to services; it enables Basotho to participate more fully in the economy and plan more confidently for the future,” Mr Ralebitso said.
“Even a modest investment of M1 can build value when placed within a structured and regulated investment environment. Tsetela is being introduced at a level that is accessible and aligned with the means of our people.”
Mr Ralebitso said the new product bridges the gap between everyday mobile money usage and formal investment opportunities.
He noted that many Basotho have traditionally relied on cash savings, stokvels and Mokhatlo group savings schemes because conventional investment products often required bank accounts and minimum deposits that placed them beyond the reach of low-income earners.
He said Vodacom intends to broaden the platform’s investment offerings over time.
“As the product matures, we intend to expand the range of available portfolios,” Mr Ralebitso said.
“Our objective is to continue innovating responsibly, provide credible alternatives to informal and unsafe schemes, and support individual wealth creation and broader national prosperity.”
STANLIB Lesotho Managing Director, Mohlabinyane Mohapi, said Tsetela was developed to eliminate the barriers that have historically excluded many Basotho from formal investment markets.
“Some conventional funds require minimum investments of M5000, automatically excluding low-income earners and first-time investors,” Mr Mohapi said.
“Tsetela seeks to remove these barriers and deepen financial inclusion.
“Traditional investment channels have excluded many Basotho through barriers such as bank account requirements and high minimum investment thresholds.”
Mr Mohapi said STANLIB, which is licensed by the Central Bank of Lesotho, operates within a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to protect investors.
He said investor funds would be held separately from company funds, the platform would be audited annually, and compliance reports submitted to regulators, while an independent trustee would oversee performance and governance.
He added that the investment fund is designed primarily for short-term investors, cautious savers and customers seeking easy access to their money, with risk management systems in place to monitor exposure.
Individual M-Pesa customers can begin investing with as little as M50, while Mokhatlo Group Savings customers require a minimum investment of M300.
Customers will earn daily interest and can access the service by dialling *200#, selecting the Savings Account option, and then Tsetela Account to invest, check balances or request withdrawals.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Teboho Shelile said financial innovation succeeds when the private sector leads while the government provides a supportive regulatory environment.
“Product innovation is strongest when driven by the private sector, with the government creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment,” Mr Shelile said.
“Tsetela is a commendable innovation that deserves support to ensure its stability, sustainability and long-term growth.
“Financial inclusion remains central to economic development and no country can achieve meaningful growth without widening access to investment opportunities. We therefore encourage Basotho to embrace this product and prioritise regulated financial solutions.”
Vodacom Lesotho and STANLIB said their focus would now be on financial education, transparency and expanding investment options to encourage more Basotho to make investing a regular part of their financial planning.
