The "Orange Money" Service in the Niamakoro and Faladié Districts of Bamako: Economic Benefits and Constraints

Abstract

Since 2010, Orange Money has played a major role in people's daily lives in Mali. The aim of this paper is to analyze the economic impact of Orange Money and its constraints in the neighborhoods of Niamakoro and Faladié in the district of Bamako. The methodology adopted was based on documentary research and a questionnaire survey carried out on a sample of 66 kiosk owners and 130 shopkeepers. The results showed that 81.82% of kiosk owners were women, and 84% of shopkeepers were men. The respondents, aged between 30 and 60 and over, are mostly married (51.5% of kiosk owners and 59.2% of shopkeepers) and are also well educated. Thus, 52.5% of shopkeepers and 40.91% of kiosk owners have higher education. In Niamakoro and Faladié, Orange Money kiosks and stores are concentrated in the center, along the main roads and in the markets. The kiosks and boutiques are used for cash deposits and withdrawals, and for purchasing phone top-up cards. The Orange Money service is used to pay water, electricity and canal subscription bills. For 95% of kiosk owners and 87% of shopkeepers, the income generated by Orange Money is primarily used for family expenses. This income is used to repay debts and other expenses, such as the purchase of motorcycles, telephones and housing lots, as well as for reinvestment. Numerous difficulties (lack of UV (titles materialized by Orange Money account registration), late payment, scams) hamper the activity.