Now you can Pay with M-SELEN at Honiara Central Market

Honiara, Solomon Islands: In a major step towards building a more inclusive and secure digital economy, M-SELEN, in partnership with the Honiara City Council (HCC), has launched the Buy Goods & Services initiative for vendors at the Honiara Central Market.

This partnership enables market vendors selling fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other local produce to accept cashless payments directly through their M-SELEN wallets.

The initiative is part of M-SELEN’s broader mission to empower Solomon Islanders through digital financial inclusion and to make everyday payments faster, safer, and convenient.

Vyline Huaware, a seaweed seller at the Central Market, shared her excitement:

“I’m really excited to now accept M-SELEN as payment because my seaweed suppliers are in the Western Province, and now I can easily M-SELEN them to restock my seaweed.”

For others, M-SELEN offers peace of mind and security.

Roseanne Alependa, who sells pepper and tomatoes, said:

“I always wanted to set up M-SELEN because it provides security for me. All my payments will now go into my M-SELEN, so when I go home in the evening, my money is safe from thieves and youths who always demand money along the road and at the bus stops.”

Majidul Haque, Solomon Telekom’s Head of Mobile Money (M-SELEN), said the initiative reflects M-SELEN’s commitment to supporting everyday Solomon Islanders.

“Our goal has always been to make financial services accessible and meaningful to everyone. Market vendors are the heartbeat of our local economy, by enabling them to use M-SELEN, we’re not only making transactions easier but also empowering them with safer, faster, and more reliable ways to manage their money and restock their supplies.”

Honiara City Council’s Market Master, Stanley Tohuhuara, welcomed the initiative, noting its importance for the city’s growing informal sector.

“We commend M-SELEN for this partnership that promotes safer markets and supports our efforts to modernize the way vendors do business. This initiative brings greater convenience and security to our hardworking market vendors and helps drive Honiara towards a more digital and inclusive city.”

M-SELEN and HCC will continue working together to train and onboard more market vendors at the Central Market in Honiara, helping them adopt digital payment solutions that improve their livelihoods and business efficiency.