Thunes and Ecobank Forge Partnership to Enhance Payments in Africa

Thunes and Ecobank Group have announced a new partnership aimed at transforming financial connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration will enable instant cross-border payments for millions of individuals and businesses, significantly enhancing financial access in the region. The partnership builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 between Ecobank and TransferTo, which is Thunes’ holding company.

Expanding Financial Access Across Africa

The integration of banking and fintech infrastructures will facilitate easier, faster, and more reliable methods for people and businesses to send, receive, and manage money across borders. By streamlining settlements and improving access to liquidity, the partnership aims to unlock new growth opportunities and enhance participation in the digital economy.

Ecobank operates across 32 countries in Africa, and this rollout will align with local regulations to ensure compliance in each market. The phased deployment plans to connect Ecobank customers to Thunes’ Direct Global Network, which spans over 130 countries and connects to approximately 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide.

“This collaboration marks a major development in how we power payments across Africa,” said Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes. “Thunes’ solutions and Ecobank’s reach are a perfect match. Together, we’re delivering faster, more reliable access to liquidity and creating new pathways for growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.”

First Steps in Togo

The first market to benefit from this partnership is Togo, where Ecobank customers can now access instant payments from global remittance players. The launch in Togo reflects the partnership’s readiness for systematic expansion across the continent, paving the way for broader financial inclusion.

“Our collaboration with Thunes perfectly aligns with Ecobank’s mission to provide borderless banking and drive financial inclusion across Africa,” said Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Group. “By combining our robust banking infrastructure with Thunes’ fintech innovation, we’re expanding real-time financial access for millions and driving the growth of Africa’s digital economy.”

This partnership represents a significant step towards empowering entrepreneurs and families across Sub-Saharan Africa, enabling them to engage in trade and support loved ones without delays. The alliance aims to create a more dynamic and interconnected financial landscape, ultimately benefiting the region’s economic growth.

The collaboration between Thunes and Ecobank is set to reshape the way money moves throughout Africa, contributing to the mission of facilitating financial inclusion for the next billion users.