Airtel Money Malawi announced the downward review of the agent’s commission, from K1,500 per K10,000 to K850 per K10,000. Aitel Money Director, Polycarp Ndekana said the change is meant to encourage more cash-out transactions, as Airtel Money agents have been infuriated by the development,

The news follows after mobile money penetration is poor in rural areas, as stakeholders suggested incentives to encourage growth of agents in the demographic; the commission slash will therefore discourage agents to aim for rural areas.

Figures from the Reserve Bank of Malawi show that 78.1% of mobile money agents are located in urban and semi-urban areas, with the remaining 21.9% are in rural areas.