New alliance set to boost faster, seamless financial connections across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Thunes, the global smart payment superhighway, has joined forces with Ecobank Group, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, to make it easier and faster for people and businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa to send and receive money instantly.
Financial Technology Insights: Circle Unveils Arc Public Testnet for Developers
This collaboration builds on a 2024 agreement between Ecobank and Thunes’ parent company, TransferTo, which set the stage for transforming financial access and cross-border payments across the continent.
Now, that vision is becoming reality.
Through this partnership, banking and fintech systems will come together on a massive scale giving individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities a simpler, more reliable way to move money. Faster transactions, easier access to liquidity, and a wider reach mean more opportunities for economic growth and participation in Africa’s digital future.
Financial Technology Insights: Stablecoins to Propel North America Payments to $13.1T
The rollout will take place gradually, following local regulations, and will eventually cover all 32 countries where Ecobank operates. This expansion will connect Ecobank customers to Thunes’ powerful global network reaching over 130 countries and linking 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide.
By combining Ecobank’s strong local presence with Thunes’ global reach, the partnership is opening new doors for trade, supporting families with instant remittances, and helping communities thrive in a more connected digital economy.
Financial Technology Insights: CFOs Warn of Risks in Manual Accounts Payable Processes
“This collaboration marks a major leap in how payments move across Africa,” said Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes. “Ecobank’s reach and Thunes’ technology are a perfect match. Together, we’re making access to money faster, more reliable, and more inclusive — a key step in empowering the next billion people to join the global economy.”
Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Group, added, “Our partnership with Thunes fits perfectly with our mission to deliver borderless banking. By merging our banking expertise with Thunes’ innovative payment network, we’re making real-time financial access possible for millions — and helping drive Africa’s digital growth story.”
The first country to benefit from this partnership is Togo, where Ecobank customers can now receive instant payments from global remittance partners. This successful launch is just the beginning — setting the stage for a continent-wide transformation in how money moves across Africa.
To share your insights with the FinTech Newsroom, please write to us at info@intentamplify.com