Chris Gabriel, CEO Zain Africa, at GSMA Mobile Money Summit: “Your mobile phone today will be your wallet tomorrow”

Posted: September 2nd, 2009  |   viewed: (666)  |   Comments: ( 1 )  |  Topic: Blog Post  |  

Share: By Paul Leishman

If you missed the GSMA mobile money Summit in Barcelona this year, be sure to check out this recording from the event of Chris Gabriel, CEO of Zain Africa. Chris’ positive outlook for mobile money comes through loud and clear. He reiterates Zain’s plan to get “every one of Zain’s 15 African operations committed and connected to one network and Zain Zap” by the end of Q3 2009, and notes that as an industry we’re going ‘from evolution to revolution. This is just the beginning of a transformational journey’.

A key thread that runs through Chris’ remarks is the importance he sees in collaboration – between mobile operators, regulators, banks and other key players in the mobile money ecosystem. Above all else, he identifies three things that need to be created for mobile money to flourish:

1. Service enhancing regulation
2. Broad and effective distribution
3. Simple and relevant products and services

Beyond industry level remarks, Chris provides a great deal of context on Zain Zap. He articulates his vision for how it will be used for every financial need from receiving a salary to paying for a can of Coke. Importantly, he emphasizes how simple the offering is – exemplified by their decision to use a flat fee for all transactions.

Let us know what you think of Zain’s strategy by commenting below.

Important Note:
If you enjoyed this video, be sure to visit Mobile World Live to see much more, including:

•  Address from Tim Attinger, Visa, at Mobile Money Summit
• ‘Mobile Money Inside Track’ video, featuring perspectives from Jojo Malolos, Tim Attinger, Ignacio Mas, Dag-Inge Flatraaker, and Gavin Krugel
• Other mobile and mobile money related videos

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