Citation
M-Pesa
TL;DR
Transactions worth 40-50% of GDP by 2013-2014
This comprehensive history documents M-Pesa's launch in March 2007, its rapid adoption reaching 70% of Kenyan adults by 2011, and transaction volumes equivalent to 40-50% of Kenyan GDP by 2013-2014. The article illustrates platform mutualism: Safaricom provides infrastructure, agents provide cash services, users gain financial access.
The M-Pesa case demonstrates that mutualistic models can achieve scale that extractive models cannot - creating new markets rather than competing for existing ones.
Key Findings from contributors (2025)
- Launched March 2007
- 70% adult adoption by 2011
- Transactions worth 40-50% of GDP by 2013-2014
- Platform mutualism between Safaricom, agents, and users