Kevin Nyango
TechInAfrica – As part of its digital transformation strategy in Africa, Standard Chartered has once again announced the launch of its digital bank in several markets in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This follows the exclusively digital launches in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya in the first quarter of the year and in Côte d’Ivoire in 2018.
Expansion in Africa arrives at a time when the continent requires greater access to digital services due to its increasing population and economy. The information and communication technology sector in Africa are growing rapidly, with the number of start-ups operating in space having increased by more than 60 per cent over the past two years, while the financing of start-ups has reached new records.
The first digital bank of its kind in Botswana and Zambia offers an end-to-end digital account opening experience that was developed following customer feedback to provide an appropriate platform to meet all their banking needs. Digitizing the entire banking experience will enable customers to enjoy simple, affordable, secure and disruptive banking services at anytime and anywhere. Active digital banking customers will also be able to benefit from loyalty benefits and promotions.
Standard Chartered noticed impressive results in the launching of its digital banks in eight sub-Saharan African markets. In Côte d’Ivoire, the digital bank has exceeded initial expectations with the opening of 18,000 new accounts. In Uganda, the Bank increased the number of new account openings eight-fold, while in Tanzania, the Bank has recruited more new clients since its launch last March than in 2018 as a whole. In addition, in order to continue its expansion, Standard Chartered is planning on launching the digital banks in Nigeria in September.
Launch of the SC Keyboard
As part of its ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand of a young and savvy digital population in Africa, Standard Chartered has also created an SC Keyboard, which allows customers to make transfers and check balances while sending messages or making purchases online, without switching to other applications. This makes banking fast and transparent for customers who no longer need to connect to their SC Mobile application to access basic banking services.
Initially launched in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania. In the continuity of its digital expansion, the SC Keyboard will be deployed in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Nigeria for the remainder of the years.
Source: Appsafrica
