In Zambia, over 70% of households still rely on charcoal and firewood for cooking a trend that not only contributes to deforestation but also poses serious health and environmental risks. Despite growing awareness of the benefits of clean energy, access to affordable and efficient alternatives remains a challenge, especially for low-income households.
EcoPay, a Zambian FinTech start-up, is stepping up to change this narrative through a tech-driven solution that enables access to clean cooking products. Formed during the 2025 COMESA Women in FinTech Hackathon, EcoPay has developed a mobile-based payment platform that allows users to purchase ethanol fuel and eco-friendly cookers with ease even on feature phones.
“EcoPay is designed to empower people with a secure and convenient way to pay for clean energy solutions,” said Annie Chabala Kapapula, Team Lead at EcoPay. “Our goal is to reduce charcoal dependence, promote eco-friendly alternatives, and support the financial inclusion of women and youth in the energy value chain.”
Recognizing the widespread use of mobile money in Zambia, EcoPay ensures compatibility with both mobile money wallets and credit cards. The platform is accessible via USSD short codes and a web interface, making it usable even in areas with limited smartphone penetration.
The solution is also integrated with Mojaloop Open Source Software, allowing for real-time, low-cost transactions in line with the Level One Project principles of financial inclusion.
“Today, people want convenience, they want to make payments without using cash,” noted Chawa Mulengo, EcoPay’s lead developer. “With Mojaloop, we’re building a platform that supports instant payments for clean cooking solutions.”
EcoPay’s innovation is timely. With increased load shedding in Zambia, many households have reverted to charcoal, exacerbating environmental degradation. By making eco-friendly alternatives more accessible, EcoPay hopes to reach millions of Zambians and reduce reliance on unsustainable cooking fuels.
Participating in the COMESA Women in FinTech Hackathon gave the EcoPay team the chance to refine their solution, network with other innovators, and gain valuable mentorship.
“The Hackathon opened doors for collaboration and learning,” Kapapula said. “We’re grateful to HiPipo and the COMESA Business Council (CBC) for this platform that is pushing FinTech innovation toward real-world impact.”
EcoPay is featured on Day 35 of the #40Days40FinTechs initiative, Zambia and Malawi edition. This regional expansion builds on the success of the initiative in East Africa, which over the past five years has spotlighted more than 200 FinTechs from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The initiative continues to promote inclusive financial technology solutions that uplift underserved communities across Africa.
By championing clean energy through FinTech, EcoPay is proving that digital innovation can address even the most pressing environmental and social challenges.
