BY TONY IROGA
Three years after its launch, M-SELEN is marking a milestone that reflects a broader shift in how Solomon Islanders access and use financial services.
Since 2023, the digital financial platform has expanded its network of customers, agents, merchants, and institutional partners, helping bring financial services closer to communities across the country, a statement by M-Selen yesterday said.
Through agent expansion, merchant onboarding, financial awareness activities, and digital payment solutions, M-SELEN has contributed to growing participation in the digital economy, the M-Selen statement said.
The past year has seen further growth through Merchant Payments, institutional payment solutions for suppliers and partners, school fee payments, and the rollout of digital ticketing services for the OFC Pro League Round 4 in Honiara.
Together, these initiatives have demonstrated the increasing role of digital payments in everyday transactions, business operations, and major events, the M-Selen statement said.
While the platform has continued to evolve, its most visible impact remains at the community level, where customers can access money closer to home and agents provide financial services in areas that were previously underserved.
“M-SELEN has helped people in our community access financial services without travelling long distances,” said Douglas, a M-SELEN Agent from Marovo Lagoon.
“It saves people time, reduces transport costs, and gives them easier access to their money when they need it.”
For Fred Malasa, a student at the University of the South Pacific in Honiara, the convenience has been equally significant.
“Receiving money is much easier now,” he said.
“I can access funds closer to where I live and study, which saves both time and money for me and my family.”
Head of M-SELEN, Majidul Haque, said the platform’s growth reflects the increasing demand for accessible and practical financial services.
“Financial inclusion is about creating opportunities and ensuring more people can participate in the economy,” he said.
“Over the past three years, we have seen how digital financial services can help remove barriers to access, connect communities, and support economic participation. Our focus remains on developing solutions that are practical, accessible, and relevant to the needs of Solomon Islanders.”
Our Telekom Chief Executive Officer, Christina Lasaqa, said M-SELEN’s success demonstrates the shared commitment to connecting everyone in Solomon Islands.
“Our Telekom has always believed that connectivity is the foundation for opportunity. M-SELEN’s growth over the past three years demonstrates what becomes possible when telecommunications and financial services work together. We are proud to support a platform that is making a real difference in the lives of Solomon Islanders, particularly in communities that have long been underserved.”
As Solomon Islands continues its digital transformation journey, M-SELEN says it remains committed to expanding access to financial services and supporting greater participation in the country’s growing digital economy.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
