In partnership with Togolese fintech SEMOA, Ecobank Group is now giving mobile money users in Togo the ability to bank faster and easier, across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). This thanks to a new digital banking service via Whatsapp called "Express cash by Semoa".

Soon, customers just need to send a Whatsapp message (meaning the service is available 24/7) to Semoa's virtual assistant, called Dédé, to request a code to perform withdrawals, pay bills or transfer money to relatives in Togo and throughout the WAEMU region. The Ecobank Group is the first bank to integrate this type of service into its ATMs and Express Points. The API developed by Semoa creates a totally innovative customer experience and affirms the pioneering role of Open Banking played by the Ecobank Group in Africa. Leveraging this technology, Ecobank Group is bridging the digital economy with the cash economy: unbanked merchants and merchants can accept and make digital payments, accelerating financial inclusion. SEMOA's ability to test connectivity, authentication and authorization of customer transactions prior to activation of the e-wallet service through the Ecobank Sandbox ensured its success.