LEO becomes Africa’s first AI chatbot to enable remittances
The new feature uses PAPSS to enable seamless intra-African transactions.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has introduced cross-border payments via its AI chatbot, LEO, enabling instant transfers across African nations in local currencies.
However, this marks the first time an AI-powered chatbot has facilitated such transactions on the continent.
The feature relies on the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, developed by Afreximbank, which allows seamless fund transfers between African countries supported by their central banks. It eliminates the need for hard currencies and aims to reduce fees while supporting financial inclusion.
UBA said the service allows customers to send and receive money across borders within seconds through self-service channels, with zero charges for recipients.
The initiative also supports Africa’s wider economic ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
The bank operates in 20 African countries and serves over 45 million customers worldwide. CEO Oliver Alawuba described the development as a bold step toward digital innovation and Pan-African integration.
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