Users of Zimbabwe operator Econet Wireless’ EcoCash mobile money platform can now send groceries to family and friends, via an EcoShopper app offered in partnership with grocery company National Foods.

It offers shopping options through six preset options: $20 (Quick Meal), $30 (Budget Shopper), $40(Weekend Warrior), $60 (Weekly Supplies) $150 (Monthly Basics) and $299 (Grow Your Own). The baskets typically include items like salt, oil, sugar and flour.

The sender is charged the same tariff that they would be when making a money transaction, and there is no charge for the party receiving groceries.

The recipient gets a text message on their mobile device which they can take to a National Foods outlet, of which there are around 40. There is no direct delivery option.

This will be particularly useful for users wanting to send groceries to people in rural areas.

An EcoShopper app is already available on Google Play and an iOS version is planned to come out in the coming weeks. A Windows version is also being developed.