Tunisie Telecom has launched a mobile payment application, Kashy, marking its entry into digital financial services as it seeks to expand beyond traditional connectivity offerings.
The app, unveiled on March 17, was developed in partnership with Viamobile, the first payment institution licensed by the Central Bank of Tunisia in 2021.
Kashy enables users to transfer money, receive payments, top up accounts and withdraw cash, providing a range of everyday financial services through mobile phones. The platform will initially be available across about 30 Tunisie Telecom outlets nationwide, with plans for broader rollout.
Chief Executive Lassâad Ben Dhiab said the launch reflects the company’s ambition to play a central role in Tunisia’s digital transformation and support the shift toward a cashless economy. He added that the move also signals the operator’s intention to diversify beyond its core telecommunications business.
The development comes amid a broader trend across Africa, where telecom operators are increasingly branching into financial and digital services to tap new revenue streams. Rapid mobile phone adoption and low levels of traditional banking penetration have fuelled demand for mobile payment solutions across the continent.
Digital wallets are becoming a key tool for everyday transactions, allowing users to pay for goods and services such as utilities, transport and school fees without relying on cash. Industry estimates suggest Africa’s digital payments market could reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, underlining the sector’s growth potential.
Tunisie Telecom’s expansion into digital services remains at an early stage but builds on a growing portfolio of technology-driven solutions. The company already offers services for businesses, including energy monitoring, smart street lighting and cold chain management, alongside cloud hosting, workforce management and cybersecurity tools.
For consumers, its offerings include entertainment services such as streaming and gaming, reflecting a gradual shift toward integrated digital ecosystems.
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The move also mirrors strategies adopted by other African telecom giants such as MTN Group, which is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, including fibre networks and data centres, while expanding into areas such as streaming, advertising and artificial intelligence.
As competition intensifies, analysts say telecom operators are under increasing pressure to innovate and diversify, with digital financial services emerging as a key battleground in Africa’s evolving technology landscape.
