Maria David
THE Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) officially launched its groundbreaking instant loan service product, “Taamba Maris,” on Thursday.
MTC Maris, in a strategic partnership with Letshego Micro Financial Services Namibia (LMFSN), introduced the service.
Taamba Maris is an instant loan service that offers short-term loans with affordable repayment terms.
It allows clients access to low-value loans and is designed to enhance financial inclusivity.
General Manager for MTC Maris, Kayembe Ilunga, said this is part of ensuring a journey toward financial inclusion and digital empowerment.
Ilunga explained that the product is more than just a technological innovation; it is a bridge to opportunity, a tool for empowerment, and a symbol of the shared commitment to making financial services accessible to all, especially those in underserved and remote communities.
“We are here to serve the unbanked and underbanked population who feel and are excluded,” he said.
Ilunga indicated that the Taamba loan is accessible to all customers with active MTC Maris wallets.
Maris has over 470,000 registered customers. All MTC Maris customers who have the transaction record stipulated in the terms and conditions can qualify for the product.
This solution offers users a quick and convenient way to access instant funds when they need them most.
To apply, simply dial 140682# to go to the Maris wallet, select “instant loan,” and follow the easy prompts to complete the application.
Letshego’s Chief Executive Officer for LMFSN, Melvin Angula, indicated that to qualify, applicants must be Namibian citizens aged between 18 and 60, have an active, fully KYC’d MTC SIM card for over three months, and possess a valid MTC Maris wallet.
Angula said that the loan amounts range from a minimum of N$100 to a maximum of N$1,500, with interest fees charged once off depending on the loan term: 14% for 7 days, 18% for 14 days, and 22% for 30 days.
He stressed that eligibility is also subject to affordability and credit assessments, ensuring responsible lending and financial sustainability.
“This innovative solution will include an automated process of digital Know Your Customer (KYC) and credit scoring, with the regulatory framework provided by NAMFISA’s sandbox environment,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Maris Board, Jerome Namaseb, expressed that Taamba Maris is not just a product, but a real-time solution to real challenges.
“This launch is not just a milestone; it’s a movement. When we first discussed the idea (Taamba Maris), it wasn’t just about launching a product—it was about solving a real challenge,” he said.
He added that they are deliberate in their mission to become the leaders of their own destiny and to position Namibia as the choice in digital innovation and the enabling partner toward a digital economy.
