MTN Mobile Money Uganda (MTN MoMo) has launched a new micro-investment product aimed at making saving and investing more accessible to everyday Ugandans.
The service, named Yinvesta, is a partnership with Sanlam Investments East Africa and allows customers to begin investing with as little as UGX 1,000—roughly KES 35. Users can earn daily interest, make instant withdrawals, and track their investments directly through the MTN MoMo app or USSD codes.
The product, which was launched at MTN Uganda’s headquarters in Kampala, targets a growing market of mobile-savvy customers looking for flexible financial tools in a tough economic environment.
“We believe financial empowerment should be accessible to everyone,” said Jemima Kariuki, Chief Product Officer at MTN MoMo. “Yinvesta simplifies investing, and with just UGX 1,000, anyone can start their journey toward financial independence.”
Yinvesta is structured as a unit trust—meaning customers’ contributions are pooled into a professionally managed fund. The fund is licensed by Uganda’s Capital Markets Authority under the Collective Investment Schemes Act of 2003, offering regulatory oversight and consumer protection.
Jonathan Stichbury, CEO at Sanlam Investments East Africa, said the platform reflects a wider shift in the region’s financial services sector.
“Technology has transformed business, and investment is no exception,” he said. “Yinvesta offers a simple and flexible way for Ugandans to start investing—with daily interest, no wallet charges, and the ability to withdraw instantly.”
The product comes at a time when financial literacy and savings culture remain key policy issues in Uganda. According to Bank of Uganda data, formal saving rates remain low, especially among young people and those in informal employment.
To help bridge that gap, the Yinvesta launch featured a panel discussion on financial literacy and a live demonstration of the app’s user experience.
Customers can begin using the service by dialing *165*7*1# or accessing it via the MTN MoMo app. Interest begins accruing 24 hours after the initial deposit, with balances visible under the “Check Balance” feature within three days. Withdrawals are processed instantly to the linked MTN number, and users can set up automated contributions through MTN Standing Orders at no extra cost.
MTN says the service is fee-free on its wallet and hopes the simplicity of the product will encourage more Ugandans to take their first step into investing.
