By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
ZOONA, a financial services company has been awarded third position in the ‘Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Africa 2018’ by international business publication, Fast Company.
The award honours leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in business and innovation.
According  to a statement  by Zoona  innovation director Chwayita Nqiwa,Fast Company cited  the firms continued innovation in the digital financial service space,  highlighted its Sunga pocket products such as no fees, no minimums, just a safe place to store money, role in educating and facilitating micro-savings in emerging economies.
The business has made a major play for transforming the competitive mobile banking space in Africa through its operations in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
Group chief executive officer Mike Quinn said the mobile money transfer company was excited to be considered among the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Africa2018.
“We are very excited to be considered in the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Africa2018. It has been an incredible journey for us to build a business that is not just innovative but has true impact.
Our main goal as a company is to help communities thrive, and that is what we strive towards every day as a business,” Mr Quinn said.
Zoona has created over 3000 jobs in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and has empowered over 2000 entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.
It has also processed over $1 billion in mobile money transactions with over 1.5 million active users.
And Zoona chief marketing officer, Lelemba Phiri said through innovation, the company has achieved meaningful change by addressing the needs of the most remote and unbanked citizens.
“This is an important month for Zoona as in the coming weeks we will be announcing two new board members.
“It’s a real honour to receive this recognition for our innovation.
This Award validates our product offerings, fuels our on-going commitment to making financial services relevant and accessible for our consumers across Africa,” said Ms Phiri.