Kenya's highly successful mobile payment (m-payment) ecosystem – and in particular
its 'star' service 'M-Pesa' – have been investigated in academic works (Foster and Heeks
2013; Jack et al. 2010; Orlikowski and Barrett 2014) and have attracted global media
and policy attention. However, research on transferring such success to neighboring
countries remains limited. In this paper, we examine m-payment services in Rwanda
and compare the country's dominant service offering 'Mobile Money' to its Kenyan role
model. Along ten factors suitable for assessing the potential contribution and the
adoption of m-payment services in developing countries, we find several anchor points
where Rwanda – to the better of its economy and national welfare – could learn from
Kenya. Thereupon, we recommend establishing a regulatory framework, promoting
adequate electricity as well as telecommunication infrastructures, and requiring – almost
imposing – collaboration among stakeholders. Further, we find the need for Rwandan
m-payment providers to build comprehensive distribution network of properly
incentivized agents, especially in the country's rural areas with 85% of its population
live.