Comprehension: Mobile banking revolutionises money management in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mobile banking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is revolutionising money keeping for a growing number of people, providing clients with a safe, fast way to access their cash and protecting them from corruption.

Watch the video and answer the questions below. Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. More banking transactions are being carried out on mobile phones than in banks in some African countries.

a. True
b. False

2. 5.7 % of state employees are paid through their bank accounts.
True
False

3. Officials sometimes take money out of the workers’ wages.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers


Why go to the bank to access your cash, when banking power is much closer to hand? Twenty eight African countries say they've got more people carrying out banking transactions on their mobile phones than in the banks themselves and the Democratic Republic of Congo is no exception. In just a year, the number of people with a bank account has more than doubled to 5.7 per cent, and state employees will soon only be paid this way. 

"For civil servants, mobile banking means - rather than having to go to the bank - the bank comes to them. It allows us to deal with a number of different accounts in record time, in spite of there being a few problems at the start with identification." 

Mobile banking is proving a powerful tool to fighting corruption in this impoverished nation; most workers are paid in cash and many find the amount they receive is vastly smaller than what they are owed, after officials have taken their cut. 

"I've just made a payment and it's worked. It was really easy to transfer the money and so far it's cheaper - it's a real help." 

"I really appreciate the service because when my money is on the phone and I make a transfer to someone, well it’s much easier than going to the bank." 

Mobile banking is also beneficial to the state, which can now easily identify fictive employees -added to the payroll to line the pockets of officials. Mobile banking’s revolutionised money keeping in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and judging by its popularity it looks set to stay. 

Answers:

1. a
2. b
3. a

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