Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 45 | Page 33

South Africa-based Ukheshe is focused on democratising digital financial services through the accessibility of disparate technologies through the Eclipse API . The company recently partnered FinTech start-up Chipper to advance the use of technology in the financial services space across Africa .
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UKHESHE TECHNOLOGIES PARTNERS WITH FINTECH START-UP CHIPPER

South Africa-based FinTech enablement partner , Ukheshe Technologies has announced a new partnership with Chipper , one of Africa ’ s most valuable start-ups , to enhance and accelerate the rollout out of Chipper ’ s digital payment offerings . The offerings include free and unlimited P2P payments across South Africa , value-added services such as airtime and data , and the ability to legally buy , sell or transfer cryptocurrency . According to the two companies , the partnership will also allow for more efficient transactions across Africa , while fulfilling the lives of its customers on the back of the Ukheshe Eclipse API framework .

The three-year-old start-up , Chipper is the biggest and fastest growing payment app in Africa offering instant no-fee local and cross-border money transfers , discounted airtime purchase and zero charges on bill payments . With over four million users serving eight countries in Africa and the UK , Chipper ’ s mission is to unlock global opportunities and bring Africa together , one transaction at a time .
Clayton Hayward , CEO , Ukheshe , said collaborating with Chipper is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of new solutions that are driving growth in the payments industry in Africa . “ Ukheshe ’ s Eclipse API provides access to payment technology , products and services – all from one convenient platform . The rapid shift towards innovative digital-first solutions , is undeniable and we are thrilled to partner with Chipper , a company that shares our vision and enthusiasm for credible , seamless
Clayton Hayward , CEO , Ukheshe
payment solutions that drive the payments revolution in Africa .”
When solutions are created to connect organisations to customers , it is vital those customers feel in complete control of their money . To achieve this , a reliable and trustworthy enablement partner is an important foundation . Ukheshe provides these benefits and more , always ensuring that the customer journey remains at the core of its technology .
Hayward said the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have further highlighted the need for credible , scalable pan-African FinTech solutions . According to the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ), 57 % of Africans do not have access to basic banking , while in in sub-Saharan Africa only 37 % of women and 48 % of men have a bank account . “ The relationship between Ukheshe and Chipper aims to spearhead digital-first FinTech solutions made in Africa to broaden access and financial inclusion for those who need it most . Our digital payment solution supports wallet functionality and will offer much-needed simplified payment solutions that allow users to send and receive cross-border payments safely , quickly and efficiently ,” he said . •
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 45 33