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E-Financial

Digital Transformation: a top-three priority for banks, says new report

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The African Banking Digital Transformation Report, a collaboration between pan-African publication African Banker and Backbase, creators of The Engagement Banking Platform, is a cornerstone in Africa’s financial news landscape, offering in-depth insight into the digital revolution being undertaken by the banking sector across the continent.

A growing African population – forecast to be 2.49 billion by 2050 – coupled with spectacular increases in the number of devices such as smartphones and tablets (mobile phones now account for 75% of web traffic in Africa) is the perfect recipe for an explosion in digital banking. Benefits include speed, convenience, and enhanced user data, meaning that banks can much more readily tailor solutions for their clients. In 2021 – the last year for which full figures are available – 55.07% of the African population owned a bank or mobile money account, compared to 23.33% in 2011.

Digital: the way forward

The 2024 edition of The African Banking Digital Transformation Report revealed that 76% of banks rank digital transformation as either their top priority or among the top three, while the remaining 24% also view it as important. With almost half of the continent unable to access any form of bank account, including approximately 60% of women, this result reflects the opportunity for banks to grow their customer base through an inclusive digital offering.

“I really see AI as a game-changer, both internally and externally”

This year, cloud computing was the most cited technology being incorporated into digitisation strategies. This overtakes Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity & Resilience as the primary driver since our 2023 survey. The result can be explained through the growing sophistication of AI solutions, which sees it spill over into other technology areas including Cybersecurity.

Interviewed for the report, Ecobank Group Chief Digital Officer Nvalaye Kourouma said: “I really see AI as a game-changer, both internally and externally” because AI-powered tools help overcome language barriers for engaging customers in different countries.

“We now have the capability to build local natural languages into our AI interactions so that language and writing are no longer barriers.

“Speech and image can be used to communicate more effectively. AI opens the door for a different level of engagement with our customers, so it’s encouraging,” he added.

The 2024 edition of the Report draws on comprehensive survey data from more than 150 banks spanning 35 countries, providing an in-depth analysis of current digital banking trends, key innovations, and digital transformation progress. This release underscores Backbase’s commitment to fostering technological advancements and driving financial inclusion in Africa.

The African Digital Banking Transformation Report was launched during GITEX Africa 2024, which took place 29 – 31 May in Marrakesh, Morocco. The report is available to download now: https://apo-opa.co/3R7BVI0


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Financial

CBN, NGX Group Defend Economic Reforms at Nasdaq

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In a bid to woo global capital and enhance investor’s confidence, Nigeria’s top financial leaders presented a unified front at a strategic investment forum hosted at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York.

The event was organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), JPMorgan, and the African Private Capital Association (AVCA).

The exclusive gathering brought together leaders from the Nigerian diaspora, global investment institutions, and corporate executives for insightful dialogue on the country’s evolving financial landscape and its readiness to attract global capital for sustainable growth.

Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso in a fireside chat with Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Robinson, outlined Nigeria’s monetary policy direction, growth prospects, and efforts to deepen its financial markets.

He reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to disciplined policy management, market-friendly reforms, and enhanced transparency to foster a stable, investor-friendly environment. Cardoso also stressed the importance of strong collaboration between regulators like the CBN and market operators such as NGX Group, describing it as critical to building a resilient financial system and mobilising long-term investments.

Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, moderated an engaging discussion on how Nigeria’s reforms are repositioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for global capital.

“Today’s dialogue marks a pivotal step in reshaping global perceptions of Nigeria’s investment story,” said Popoola. “The candid engagement between policymakers, market operators, and investors reflects the real progress Nigeria is making. NGX Group remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen market structures, drive innovation, and accelerate economic growth.”

While investors welcomed Nigeria’s reform agenda, they emphasized that sustained confidence will require consistent FX policies, lower transaction costs, reduced regulatory friction, clearer direction on non-oil revenue reforms, an improved ease of doing business, and continued transparency in monetary and fiscal communication.

The forum ended on an optimistic note, with participants expressing strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and its potential for deeper integration into global financial markets, provided reform momentum continues.


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E-Financial

Union Bank Rewards Customers in Save and Win Promo with Motorcycles and Cash Prizes

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Union Bank of Nigeria has rewarded another set of customers in the ongoing Save and Win Palli Promo 4 campaign. Six lucky customers each won a brand-new motorcycle, and 120 additional winners won cash prizes.

The third monthly hybrid live draws were transparently conducted at the Bank’s Sabo, Yaba Branch in Lagos under the supervision of relevant regulatory institutions.

For integrity purposes, some of the winners were contacted to congratulate and remind them that the Bank will never call to request or confirm their confidential banking details such as BVN, date of birth, pins, or passwords.

Save & Win Palli Promo 4 is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes and other exciting gifts worth N131,000,000.

This initiative aims to support them in achieving their savings goals while getting rewarded at the same time.

To stand a chance to win, customers can continue to top up their savings in multiples of N10,000 or more and perform a minimum of five transactions a month to increase their chances of winning in the draws. This promo is open to new and existing savings and current account holders.

Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch.

Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.


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E-Financial

FCMB Group Redefines Corporate Storytelling with The Power Of The Group TVC

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For decades, financial institutions have struggled to communicate the depth and breadth of their services in a single, coherent message.

FCMB Group’s latest TVC, The Power Of The Group, masterfully accomplishes this by placing its subsidiaries at the heart of the narrative.

The ad opens with a heated basketball game with a lone basketballer then pans out to the full force of the 5-woman team, subtly introducing the idea of collaboration. As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey across Taraba, Abuja and Lagos States, each symbolising a key aspect of FCMB’s ecosystem.

The imagery of the drummers playing on Mambila Plateau reinforces the brand’s message: success is not achieved in isolation—it’s built through strategic partnerships.

From banking to consumer finance, investment management to investment banking, the TVC seamlessly weaves in elements from all arms of the FCMB Group, making it clear that power lies in collaborative innovative efforts.

The tagline ‘The Power Of The Group’ encapsulates the campaign’s essence, reinforcing the importance of unity in financial empowerment.

The production process was an extensive undertaking, requiring 4 months of production and a team of over 1,000 industry professionals.

The investment, said to run into hundreds of millions, underscores the bank’s commitment to delivering not just a commercial but a landmark campaign that defines its brand for years to come.

As the industry takes note, FCMB Group’s approach could redefine how corporate Nigeria tells its story.


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