UBA’s LEO chatbot has achieved a continental first by enabling cross-border payments.
The AI-powered assistant now facilitates transfers across 20 African countries.
This upgrade makes UBA’s LEO chatbot the region’s most advanced banking bot. Users can send money via WhatsApp, Facebook, or SMS without visiting branches.
Key features include:
- Instant transfers in 10 currencies
- 24/7 transaction capabilities
- Secure biometric verification
Group CEO Oliver Alawuba explained: “We’re breaking financial barriers.” The service targets Africa’s $5 billion remittance market.
The technology works through:
- USSD or social media access
- Recipient mobile number input
- Real-time forex conversion
Early tests showed 92% success rates in Nigeria-Ghana transfers. “It’s faster than traditional banks,” said a user .
Competitors scramble to respond. GTBank and Ecobank are reportedly accelerating their own chatbot upgrades.
Regulators approved the innovation after 18-month trials. CBN’s Payments System Director praised its “financial inclusion potential.”
UBA’s LEO chatbot currently serves 7 million customers. The bank projects 15 million users by 2026 through this expansion.
As Africa’s digital economy grows, this breakthrough positions UBA as the continent’s banking technology leader.
