What is eSewa?

eSewa is an online payment, first of its kind here in Nepal, and is in operation since 2009. We provide online and mobile payment transaction services to users (payer), receiver (merchants) and banks. Our users can use their mobile or Internet services to use our services. 

 

So, what are your services? 

We offer a range of services and these are aimed at easing off day-to-day and business financial transactions of users. We provide bill payment facilities for major utility services providers like Nepal Telecom, Ncell, Nepal Electricity Authority, online newspaper subscription, air ticket booking for domestic flights, movie ticket booking for major multiplexes like QFX, BigMovies, FCube, transfer funds from one bank to another through mobile, sending domestic remittance, serve as payment gateways for Nepali ecommerce sites and for receiving remittance sent through various remittance companies. For Western Union, we are exclusive digital remittance partner. 

 

What are your service charges? 

All eSewa services are free to use. Our services are not only free, but we offer discounts on selected services like Nepal Telecom, Ncell bill payments services, and airlines tickets booking. So, through eSewa users can not only get convenient services but also can earn money through the discounts we provide.

 

Many people still find online transactions unreal. What is your experience? Are Nepalis adapting to the digital lifestyle?

Yes, since online transactions are directly related to finances, initially people hesitated to try it. But we have found that gradually people are getting used to it. From 2009 up until 2012 we had only 90K users. But during the last two years there has been surge. Presently, we are providing services to over 300,000 users of which 70 per cent are active. Of this every day 50,000 unique users make around 25,000 transactions worth 3.2 million rupees. 

 

The trend is increasing and this is reflected in the 25 per cent monthly growth in the number of our users and the transactions they make. These data are strong enough to suggest that, if we provide reliable, convenient and supportive services, people will prefer online transactions. We provide round the clock real time support services through our web platform as well as through our toll free phone. The support system focuses on addressing user queries and concerns when they face any technical glitches. 

 

What are the similarities and differences between eSewa and international payment gateways like PayPal? 

PayPal is purely a payment gateway with e-wallet that focuses on web users. They don't host any services themselves. They provide online transaction services but their facilities are not available to mobile phones without Internet access. For accessing PayPal services a user must have access to Internet. 

 

But in Nepal, eSewa provides digital wallet service, which can be accessed through mobile phones– with or without Internet connectivity – or the web. So, anyone with a mobile phone and number can use our services, it is not necessary to have Internet connectivity. In our system, user's mobile number is their account ID. Our services are accessible via the SMS system. 

 

How does eSewa complement the ecommerce business in Nepal? 

If you see the market today, eSewa is the major contributor to Nepal’s eCommerce. We have a network of over 36 banks and over 280,000 users. Prior to the eSewa era, not even a single Nepali eCommerce site had online payment option. Without online payment option, an eCommerce site becomes just a showcase website. eSewa provides flexible APIs, assists eCommerce sites to meet the security parameters, promotes their company. It provides access to over 2 million banked users that take services from our partner banks. 

 

What are the complications faced by your company? 

The major complication is the education and operation infrastructure of our country. For us Nepalis, online transaction and ecommerce is completely new thing. Though youths are convinced in using online payment methods, our major target are the above 25 years age groups because they are ones who actually manage family and business expenses. Another major challenge is the power cut. Without power backup, any information and communication technology service cannot survive. It directly affects our users. Due to lack of power back up, very few of our users are able to use our online payment services.

 

What government initiatives can help in promoting Nepali ecommerce?

Provision enabling the use of Debit and Credit cards for making online transactions, and clear guidelines from the Nepal Rastra Bank, regarding online payment and eCommerce business are essential for Nepali eCommerce to prosper.  Precise guidelines give service providers clear working procedures and reliable and trust worthy services to users.

 

Moreover, government should promote online transactions to ease off workloads in its service-oriented departments. One day we won’t have to visit tax office and stand in queues to files our tax returns, visit traffic police office to pay penalties, go to transportation department for renewing our vehicle and driving license, among others. We can make all these transactions through our mobile phones if the government promotes online transactions in its dealings also.