Safaricom M-PESA partners with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health to boost healthcare payments

Safaricom M-PESA Ethiopia has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia to introduce a secure, scalable, and efficient digital payment system for the healthcare sector. This collaboration, supported by other financial service providers, aims to streamline healthcare payments, improve service delivery, and promote financial inclusion across the country.

The partnership will integrate M-PESA’s digital payment solutions into health facilities, enabling cashless medical transactions, automating insurance payments, and ensuring timely salary disbursements for Health Extension Workers (HEWs). The initiative is part of a broader effort involving the National Bank of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia Health Insurance Services, and the UNDP’s Better Than Cash Alliance, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s digital transformation agenda.

The integration of M-PESA’s digital payment platform into Ethiopia’s healthcare system marks a significant step toward modernizing the sector.

The partnership between Safaricom M-PESA and the Federal Ministry of Health is part of a larger collaboration involving key stakeholders in Ethiopia’s financial and healthcare sectors. By leveraging M-PESA’s proven track record in driving financial inclusion across Africa, the initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Ethiopians.

During the signing ceremony, representatives from the Ministry of Health noted the transformative potential of the partnership. “This collaboration is a significant step toward building a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent healthcare system,” said a spokesperson. “By integrating digital payment solutions, we can improve service delivery, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure that all Ethiopians have access to quality healthcare.”

The initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation goals, particularly the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which aims to harness technology to drive economic growth and improve public service delivery. By digitizing healthcare payments, the partnership contributes to the vision of a digitally empowered Ethiopia, where technology enhances the lives of citizens and fosters inclusive development.

By:  Kanto Okanta