In the heart of East Africa, a technological breakthrough was quietly reshaping economic possibilities for millions. Back in 2015, veteran correspondent Lesley Stahl discovered a groundbreaking transformation sweeping through Kenya: the rise of mobile money.

M-Pesa, a pioneering mobile payment platform, was revolutionizing how Kenyans conducted financial transactions. Through simple cell phone technology, people could now send and receive money instantly, bridging economic divides that had long separated urban and rural communities.

The platform's impact extended far beyond mere convenience. By enabling seamless financial exchanges, M-Pesa dramatically improved commercial opportunities in regions previously isolated from traditional banking systems. Poorer areas suddenly gained access to critical economic resources, empowering individuals and small businesses alike.

Stahl's reporting revealed how this digital innovation was more than just a technological marvel—it was a lifeline for countless Kenyans. The mobile money system allowed individuals to transfer funds, purchase necessities, and participate in economic networks with unprecedented ease and speed.

What made M-Pesa particularly remarkable was its simplicity and universal accessibility. By leveraging widespread mobile phone ownership, the platform transformed cell phones into powerful financial tools, democratizing economic participation across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

This digital financial revolution represented a profound shift in how developing economies could leverage technology to overcome traditional economic barriers, offering a blueprint for potential global financial innovation.