By 
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has taken a bold leap forward in advancing cross-border financial inclusion with the integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its AI-powered chatbot, LEO. This strategic collaboration enables real-time local currency transfers across African countries through widely used platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
PAPSS, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), facilitates seamless cross-border payments within Africa using local currencies—eliminating the traditional barriers of currency convertibility, third-party intermediaries, and delayed settlements. Its integration with LEO marks a significant milestone in digital banking and supports the broader vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the launch event in Lagos, UBA Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, described the partnership as a pivotal move to democratize access to borderless financial services.
“This is more than a digital upgrade—it’s a transformational step toward real-time, borderless trade across Africa,” said Alawuba. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to drive financial integration, empower businesses, and facilitate trade across the continent.”
According to Alawuba, the integration of PAPSS into LEO gives everyday Africans—from traders and entrepreneurs to students and families—the power to send and receive funds across borders instantly, using digital platforms they already trust.
He disclosed that since the feature went live, over 16,000 transactions have been recorded along the Nigeria-Ghana corridor, with outbound transfers from Ghana to Nigeria exceeding GHS 121 million. The bank anticipates a surge in transaction volumes, especially as users in Nigeria begin adopting the new feature.
“We’re not just talking about technology—we’re talking about transforming lives, enabling SMEs, and bringing Africa’s Single Market to life,” Alawuba added.
PAPSS CEO Mike Ogbalu III commended UBA for being one of the earliest adopters of the platform, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022 and championed its rollout across its continental network.
“With this collaboration, we move from a traditional counter-based model to a fully digital, 24/7 financial experience,” said Ogbalu. “Users can now make secure cross-border payments directly from chat platforms, no matter the time of day.”
Also speaking at the launch, UBA’s Directorate Head of Digital and Retail Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, emphasized the significance of the move.
“UBA is now the first bank in Africa to enable cross-border payments through a chatbot. This is not just a tech milestone—it’s a redefinition of how financial services are delivered across the continent,” Fashola noted.
He highlighted that the partnership aims to simplify financial processes, support commerce, and unlock broader economic opportunities for UBA customers across Africa.
“The early response from customers, particularly in the Ghana-Nigeria corridor, has been encouraging. We are committed to deepening adoption and delivering even greater value,” Fashola added.
Through this partnership, UBA and PAPSS are positioning themselves at the forefront of Africa’s digital finance revolution—delivering seamless, secure, and inclusive payment solutions that bridge borders and drive economic growth.
Comments