BEVRA Platform Opens New Opportunities for Zambians to Access and Manage Finances
The launch of the BEVRA digital platform by Yafika Mobile Money marks a significant step forward in Zambia’s drive towards a more inclusive and opportunity-driven digital economy.
The platform aligns with the Government’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to expand financial inclusion, improve access to digital services, and empower citizens through technology.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Chipota Mutati, Mr Bonaventure Mutale reaffirmed Government’s commitment to promoting innovation-led financial inclusion.
He described BEVRA as a people-centred solution designed to address real challenges faced by many Zambians, including limited access to formal banking services, inefficiencies in cash handling, and barriers to savings and credit.
The platform is expected to widen access to financial services for underserved communities, bridge the gap between traditional banking and digital financial tools, and support broader economic participation across sectors.
Government officials further highlighted that BEVRA is a locally developed solution, demonstrating Zambia’s growing capacity to create technology tailored to its own socio-economic context. Such innovation is expected to contribute to economic growth, job creation, and skills development, while supporting the country’s ambition to become a producer of technology rather than merely a consumer.
The importance of collaboration between Government, regulators, financial institutions and the private sector was also emphasised as key to ensuring that innovation thrives within a secure and well-regulated environment.
Chief Executive Officer of Yafika Mobile Money, Kondwani Mweene, noted that while Zambia has made progress in expanding digital financial services, challenges around accessibility, transparency and financial management persist.
He observed that many individuals still rely on multiple platforms to manage their finances, while informal savings systems such as chilimbas and village banking schemes remain largely manual and vulnerable to inefficiencies and fraud.
In response, BEVRA has been developed as an integrated digital wallet designed to simplify transactions and improve transparency.
Key features of the platform include real-time money transfers, bill and service payments, individual and group savings management, integration with mobile money platforms and banking systems, and access to statutory payments.
The platform also introduces innovative products such as Tisonke, a group contribution feature supporting community-based financial activities, and Baobab Village Banking, a digital solution aimed at improving transparency and accountability in village banking by enabling real-time tracking of contributions, balances and loans.
Mr Mweene added that BEVRA has been designed to reflect the financial behaviours and cultural practices of Zambians, enhancing both its relevance and accessibility. He further revealed that the platform will soon be available via USSD, ensuring access for users without smartphones.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Payments Association of Zambia, Mr Mwase, commended the introduction of BEVRA at a time when digital financial services are experiencing rapid growth across the country.
He noted that increased adoption of mobile money and digital platforms signals a shift in how Zambians manage their finances, presenting an opportunity to deepen financial inclusion and improve efficiency within the payments ecosystem.
The Association reiterated its commitment to fostering a financial system that is secure, inclusive, innovative and trustworthy. It also stressed the need for strong consumer protection measures, transparency, regulatory compliance, and continued investment in user education and system security.
