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Transforming lives in Africa through bespoke digital solutions
Ecobank_onfor International Organisations
ContentsBook 1Ecobank_on for International Organisations (Overview)
Book 2Digitalisation and Mobile in Africa
Book 3General Solution Set Up for International Organisations
Book 4Mobile Solutions Overview
Book 5Technical and Security
Book 6Ecobank App and the Xpress Account
Book 7Pre-Paid Cards
Book 8Appendix – Mobile Network Operator (MNOs) Partnering
Book 7 / 7
Ecobank_onfor International Organisations (IOs)
Bespoke digital solutions. To reach the last mile
Book 1 / 8
As part of Ecobank’s long-term drive to promote inclusive financial services, the bank has invested heavily in the digitalisation of all its banking solutions.
In line with this commitment comes a new generation of bespoke solutions for International Organisations – to enable them to reach the last mile and transform lives across Africa.
We are proud that our work is set to making a meaningful and lasting contribution to the developmental success of the continent and we look forward to working with you.
Digital transfer capability for IOs
Send funds speedily to recipients and beneficiaries – direct to their mobile phones or via a pre-paid card
Easy streamlined payments across Ecobank’s 36 country platform
Manage, set-up, monitor and disburse funds swiftly through the Ecobank OMNI platform
Last-mile delivery and redemption of funds
Ensure funds are received through secure and easy delivery and redemption
IO/NGO Ecobank Beneficiary
SEND REACH DELIVER
Overview
• Send individuals funds directly and at speed
- Into an Xpress account via Ecobank mobile USSD to traditional phones
- Into an Xpress account via the Ecobank mobile app to smartphones
- onto an Ecobank prepaid card
- or into a mobile wallet held with one of our many Mobile Network Operator partners
• Ideal for grants, disbursements and more
• Build bespoke one-stop payment solutions through integration on OMNI (Ecobank’s Pan-African corporate e-banking portal) to reach beneficiaries across 36 African countries
• Disburse funds with greater ease through bulk-payments (Even up to 10,000 recipients in one run)
• Keep track of payments in one secure solution providing automated payment monitoring and reporting mechanisms
• Ensure delivery to last-mile beneficiaries via Ecobank’s secure digital payment ecosystem
• Harness Ecobank’s network of ATMs/agents where beneficiaries can easily redeem their money
• Fund prepaid cards or mobile wallets with our 3rd party partners
SENDdirectly
REACHeasily
DELIVERsecurely
Digitalisation and Mobile in Africa
Book 2 / 8
Over the past decade mobile phone usage has
surged across Africa, driven by heavy investment
from mobile network operators (MNOs), digital
innovation, falling prices for handsets and
rising purchasing power. The number of mobile
subscribers in Africa has risen from 87million
in 2005 to an estimated 772 million in 2016,
averaging 13% growth over the past five years.1
In terms of unique mobile subscribers there will
be an estimated 589 million by 2016 which tells
us that, on average, each subscriber owns 1¼
cellular devices. This is almost twice the growth
rate of Asia and Pacific, and five times the
Americas. Growth rates have been even faster
in Sub-Saharan Africa, where annual subscriber
growth is forecast to grow at 6.2% CAGR
in 2016-20, faster than world rate of 4.2%.2
By 2020, GSMA forecasts that Africa will
have 900 million mobile subscribers.
Mobile usage has surged across Africa
900 million mobile users in Africa by 2020
Growth of mobile and Internet usage in Africa, 000s subscriptions
Source: ITU.
1 ITU.
2 GSMA.
2007
100
500
300
700
200
600
400
800
Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions
Individuals using the Internet
20112009 2013 20152008 20122010 2014 2016
Despite the sharp growth in mobile usage,
penetration rates in Sub-Saharan Africa are low
compared with other emerging markets. An
estimated 44% of the region’s population had
access to mobile services in 2016, compared
with 59% in MENA, 65% in Asia Pacific and
70% in Latin America. Even at current growth
rates, penetration will only rise to 50% of the
African population by 2020. However, this
aggregate figure masks huge disparities across
African markets, notably between urban and
rural areas. In many African cities mobile access
is 100%, with many Africans owning several
mobile phones, while in remote areas usage is
minimal owing to the lack of a reliable network.
Although mobile phone usage may not grow
fast enough to bring all Africans onto mobile
networks, by 2020 there will be over 900
million African mobile consumers, who will
be increasingly connected to digital payment
and services networks.
Mobile penetration rates remain low
Mobile penetration rates, % of total population
Source: GSMA.
Region
World
Asia Pacific
Latin America
MENA
SSA
2016
65
65
70
59
44
2020
73
76
78
62
50
Only 44% of Africans had access to mobile services in 2016
Share of connections by device type, SSA
Source: GSMA.
Smartphone
Data-only devices
Basic or feature phones
2010
422
55
4
7
2
94
74
38
2015 2020
New technology will drive digital inclusion
The gradual switch of African consumers from
feature phones to smartphones, coupled
with the rising availability of mobile internet
services, will drive financial inclusion and the
expansion of mobile digital services. Ownership
of smartphones in Sub-Saharan Africa surged
from just 4% in 2010 to 22% in 2015 and is
forecast to rise to 55% by 2020, while feature
phone usage will drop from 94% in 2010 to
38% by 2020. Mobile Internet and Broadband
services will also increase their market share
from 28% in 2016 to a forecast 39% by 2020.
Mobile Broadband services are currently
used by 10-15% of the population in key
Sub-Saharan African markets, notably in
Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Kenya
and Ethiopia. However, growth of this segment
is constrained by patchy or non-existent 3G and
4G networks in rural areas (where most of the
population lives), the lack of digital skills and
awareness, poor local content and the relatively
high cost of mobile Internet services, notably
mobile Broadband.
3
28
11
13
8
16
10
12
16
10
12
3
15
9
12
Technology mix in SSA, % of total Source: GSMA.
Mobile broadband subscriptions, % of population, 2015 Source: GSMA.
2G
3G
4G
2016
2
41
12
30
67 47
2020
Country
South Africa
Ghana
Côte d’Ivoire
Zimbabwe
Angola
Nigeria
Ethiopia
Mozambique
Kenya
SSA (average)
Senegal
Zambia
Uganda
Cameroon
DRC
%
The World Bank’s Global Findex estimates
banking penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa at
28% in 2014, a rate that has grown weakly
over the past decade. This is well below the
rate in other developing regions, notably
East Asia and Pacific and Latin America.
However, mobile networks and smartphones
are providing a range of alternative payment,
lending and savings services that are helping
to boost financial inclusion. Findex estimates
that 12% of Sub-Saharan Africans have access
to mobile money, half of these without a bank
account, which brings up the rate of financial
inclusion to 34%, leaving around two thirds of
the population unbanked.
Financial inclusion rate up to 34%
Access to financial services is improving, leveraging on mobile phones
Account penetration, Adults with an account (%), 2014
Source: Global Findex database
East Asia and Pacific
Europe and Central
Asia
High-income OECD
economies
Latin America
and Caribbean
Middle East
South Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
Mobile money account only
World
69
51
94
51
14
46
34
Financial institution and mobile money account
Financial institution account only
The importance of mobile banking in driving
financial inclusion cannot be understated – only
2% of adults worldwide have a mobile money
account, versus 12% in Sub-Saharan Africa
(half of these are a mobile money account
only). Mobile money was responsible for nearly
all the growth in account penetration since
2011. In East and West Africa mobile money
penetration rates have soared, led by Kenya
(82%), Tanzania (45%) and Côte d’Ivoire (27%).
In Kenya the share of mobile payments reached
an estimated 79% in FY2015, supported by the
revolutionary M-Pesa network.
Mobile money penetration among registered users in key African markets, 2016 Source: Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications (ARTCI)
Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK)
Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA)
Market share of payment methods in Kenya
Source: Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)
Ecobank Research
10%
10%
0%
0%
50%
50%
30%
30%
70%
70%
20%
20%
60%
60%
40%
40%
80%
80%
90%
90%
Tanzania KenyaCôte d’Ivoire
FY2009
70%
FY2011
71%
FY2014
73%
FY2010
68%
27%
45%
82%
FY2013
64%
FY2012
67%
FY2015
79%
EFTs
Mobile
Cheques
POS
RTGS
Cards
The expansion of mobile financial services to
Sub-Saharan Africa’s unbanked offers huge
opportunities to boost savings, lending and
remittances. The region already has a culture of
saving, most of it in the informal sector (money
agents, savings clubs and ‘under the mattress’).
The World Bank Findex estimates that 60% of
Sub-Saharan Africans save regularly, above the
world average. Once they have a formal bank
account the proportion rises to 81%, the highest
rate in the world. Moreover, 13% of adults in
Sub-Saharan Africa are unbanked yet still save
semi-formally. By converting these savings into
formal accounts the region’s account penetration
could potentially rise by 70 million people.
Remittances could also benefit from mobile
banking platforms. Half of all adults in
Sub-Saharan Africa regularly send or receive
remittances, the highest proportion for any region
in the world. But most of these remittances are
distributed in cash, especially in the agricultural
sector, offering huge potential to distribute these
flows over the mobile platform. And mobile
banking could also transform lending to ordinary
Africans and SMEs. In Sub-Saharan Africa 42%
of all borrowing comes from family and friends,
the highest rate in the world, indicating the lack
of formal bank lending opportunities.
Mobile banking can draw on Sub-Saharan Africa’s savings and remittance culture
Payment channels for domestic remittances
Adults sending or receiving remittances in the past year, by method (as% of all adults), 2014
Source: Global Findex database
In cash only
2828
1012
5
8
24
1717 18
48
Through an OTC transaction
Digital payment channels
Through an account
4
East Asia and Pacific
Europe and Central Asia
Latin America and Caribbean
Middle East
South Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
60% of Sub-Saharan Africans save regularly
Sources of new formal and informal loans
Adults borrowing from source in the past year (%), 2014
Note: Respondents could report borrowing from more than one source.
Source: Global Findex database.
East Asiaand Pacifi c
Europe and Central Asia
Latin America and Caribbean
Middle East
South Asia
Sub-SaharanAfrica
10%0% 30%20% 40%
High-incomeOECDeconomies
Financialinstitution
Familyand friends
Privateinformal lender
Retail store (store credit)
Since 2008 the success of Safaricom’s M-Pesa
has motivated MNOs to deploy mobile money
platforms across SSA, securing them an 83%
market share in 2016. Although most MNOs
operate their mobile money businesses
in a single country, Pan-African MNOs
are launching operations across multiple
countries. Airtel and MTN are leading the race,
with live mobile money deployments in
12 and 11 countries, respectively.
MNOs are leading the charge
80
7
13
Distribution of live deployments in Middle Africa
Source: Ecobank Research and GSMA
MNOs
Banks
Independent
MNOs: Number of countries with live deployments
Source: Ecobank Research and GSMA
2
0
10
6
14
4
12
8
OrangeMTN TigoAirtel (Bharti Airtel)
12
9
11
5
General Solution Set Up for International Organisations (IOs)
Book 3 / 8
Account services provided:
• Ability to open current account in multiple currencies
• Ability to open resident or non-resident accounts
• Ability to provide investment services (call and fixed deposits)
• Central customer service desk – one single point of contact to coordinate and ease account opening across the Ecobank network
• Ability to provide account statement reports in multiple formats
• Ability to download reports through our corporate internet banking platform –Ecobank Omni
• Ecobank Omni for fully automated electronic payments
Electronic Banking Platform/Ecobank Omni:
Ecobank Omni offers a comprehensive suite of flexible online Cash Management solutions – all designed to help IOs increase productivity, manage cash flows and help the customer with an efficient management of its working capital cycle.
Overview
• Single access for balance reporting
and transaction initiation
• Choice of connection routes:
– via internet
– via customer back-end system directly
integrated with Ecobank Omni (Host-to-Host)
– via SwiftNet FileAct
Key features Integrated Access
• Single sign-on access to accounts
at Ecobank group or other banks
• Multi-geography, multi-language
and multi-currency platform
• Support all payments, collections
and liquidity management needs
Reporting
• Real-time access to account information
• Statements available in multiple formats:
PDF, CSV, Excel, AFB120 and MT940
• Balance consolidation into a single
base reporting currency
Transaction Initiation –
multiple payment types including:
• Book to Book transfers
• Domestic Funds Transfers (ACH or RTGS)
• Cross Border Funds Transfers (foreign currency)
• Inter Affiliate Transfers (all payment types)
• Manager’s Checks
• Cash Payments (over the counter)
Mobile payments:
• Ability to make payments to Ecobank
Mobile App wallets (Xpress account)
• Ability to make payments to other
MNO’s wallets depending on agreement
in place with Telco’s
– Ecobank Omni sends the instruction
to the mobile money platform for
payment to the beneficiary’s wallet
– The IO’s account is debited and
the beneficiary’s wallet credited
– Detailed reports available to enable
the customer to reconcile payments
Corporate Customer authorizes and sends payment instructions to Ecobank
Payment instruction received online securely via Ecobank Omni
Other features:
• Ability to perform bulk payments
(salaries, suppliers, etc.)
• Ability to post payment with future value date
• Ability to save benefi ciary’s details prior
to the payment initiation
• Compatible with leading industry standards for
seamless integration with ERP systems such as
SAP, Oracle, JDE Edwards and others
Multiple options for movement of funds:
• Movement of funds from multiple source
account into a target account
• Movement of funds from source account to
target account with the possibility to achieve
various types of target balance requirements
Operational Security
• Role-based security implementation for
each user (access certain accounts or perform
specifi c tasks as per their designation within
the company)
• Possibility to restrict user access
to accounts and functions
• Multiple transaction approval levels
based on customer signing matrix
System Security
• Secure deployment of Trust Gate device
provided by IdenTrust. The device provides
Mutual Authentication, Encryption and
Electronic Signature, and protects against
all forms of known malware attack.
• 128 bit SSL encryption – Secure
communication protocol that encrypts
client information during transmission
over the internet
• Two-factor authentication through unique
login details plus secure login tokens
Payment instruction is processed at Ecobank and funds disbursed to mobile wallets
• Direct integration of the corporate customer’s ERP (SAP, Oracle, etc.) system with Ecobank Omni
• Enable to transmit a single file containing multiple transaction types
• Ability to import and export payment and reporting file from and to a customer’s ERP and / or accounting system
• Single interface with Ecobank Group (standard solution across all the Ecobank network)
• Capability to handle industry standard file formats such as EDIFACT, SWIFT, IDOC, etc.
• Fully able to cover transaction initiation and reporting requirements
• Instant notification of transaction status
• Flexibility to work with the customer’s proprietary formats
Host to Host
Customer
• Ability to process payment instructions
in the following formats:
– SWIFT MT 101
– XML (ISO 20022)
• Standardized gateway and message structure
for payments across the Ecobank network
• Ability to send end of day statements
(MT940) for balance reporting and
reconciliation purposes
• Automated back-end processing
Training offered to IOs
Ecobank will facilitate training to IO’s offi cials
in each country to ensure ease of payment
and reconciliation of payments
SWIFT Payments – FileAct
Payment to Benefi ciaries
• MT 101
• MT 103
• Agreed text-based format with clearly defi ned fi eld
• ISO 20022 / XML
• PAIN version 001.001.04
Payment File Formats
SWIFT FIN
SWIFT FINFileAct
MT940
MT101/FileAct MT101/FileAct
Mobile Solutions Overview
Book 4 / 8
Priority: digitise as many interactions as possible
Digitisation
The market has already started to stress its
move towards mobile and digital. The reality is,
if businesses do not have a digital strategy they
will ultimately get left behind. Digitising the
interactions between customers, partners and
the bank is now the focus. Leveraging brands to
sell the benefits as a unified experience through
numerous touch points will mutually promote
the effectiveness of businesses and the ease
for the consumer. Digitisation can produce an
environment where people both benefit from
and contribute to the development of this
platform, emphasising the possibility of value
co-creation, between brand and consumer. A
platform through which people can actually get
value, not just a service. This is what digitisation
brings; a focus on the elements that add value,
rather than those that reduce it.
The onus of the Bank to maximise its efficiency
and customer base partially comes down
to the extent to which it can become truly
adaptable and accessible. Digitising as many
user interactions as possible is now a priority.
The effort that is required will be reduced as
the focus is now placed on the Group’s core
business of creating value for its customers; one
of the main reasons behind going digital. This
freedom that comes from digitising interactions
indirectly creates more jobs (as customers have
more time to focus on their industries), which
in turn leads to growth, development, and
financial inclusion; through digitising processes
and interactions we can therefore achieve
collective benefit through active participation.
Notably, going digital enables banks to offer
their services more affordably, conveniently,
and securely, as leakages are reduced and
safeguards increased.
Mobile uptake is key to reaching last mile
Cashless Ecosystem
One way of reaching the last mile is through
mobile uptake. The relationship between
phone, USSD and app has moved beyond
simple transactions and now presents users
with the opportunity to pay bills and receive
information such as health updates. By
assessing the benefits and potential that
mobile utility and applications possess the
transformative power of digitisation becomes
very clear. Going digital however is much more
than just a mobile app, it is connectivity
of payment at every level of society.
Ecobank Mobile Solutions
Ecobank provides a cost efficient hybrid of mobile solutions for low and high value payments delivered through:
• Ecobank Mobile App or simple USSD menu
• Mobile Money solutions in partnership with MNOs
The various players (Governments, Regulators, FIs, MNOs, Others)Mobile banking services, as with banking
services in general, are regulated by the
Central Bank authority in each country.
Whether pioneered by FIs or Telcos, any
licensing application or amendment should
be first approved by the Central Bank. Where
applicable, regulations can allow multiple
banks to deliver the services in partnership
with a Telco, or on their own proprietary
platforms. Telcos are either advised to set up
a different subsidiary / entity to handle the
mobile financial services business or they are
sometimes required to partner banks to deliver
to subscribers in-country. In most countries,
Telcos are incorporated and regulated and
must be in good standing with the National
Communication Authority to be able to sell
new services to customers.
Ecobank can facilitate bank account opening
and mobile payment setup solutions for any
International Organisations that wish to deliver
efficient mobile payment solutions to their
beneficiaries.
Some Ecobank Mobile definitions:Ecobank Mobile Banking: refers to provision and
availment of banking and financial services with
the help of mobile telephone devices. Use of
Mobile Phone to provide basic banking services
to the bank’s existing customers.
Ecobank Mobile Payments refers to the
facilitation of payments and collections
through the use of mobile phones particularly
for the unbanked with a leverage
on agents / merchants.
Ecobank Mobile Money is the
Telecommunication / Bank collaboration which
typically has the MNO providing the platform
to deliver financial services, leveraging on bank
branches and agents / merchants as payment
agents. (Airtel Money, M-Pesa, MTN Mobile
Money, Orange Money, Tigo Cash, etc)
Ecobank Mobile Savings refers to the operation
of a savings account / wallet on a mobile
phone. This is a branchless banking product
designed for the under banked and unbanked.
Partnering with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Aggregators
Some MNOs have partnered with financial
institutions to deliver mobile financial services
in developing markets and in a few cases,
the MNOs have been licensed directly to offer
mobile money services to deepen financial
inclusion to the unbanked, underbanked and
banked customers.
In environments where partnerships between
MNOs and banks are not necessarily in place,
mobile aggregators can step in and act as
intermediaries that facilitate payment, from
the IO to the bank and into a mobile wallet.
In these situations mobile aggregators bridge
the gap and enable payments to be pushed
through to MNOs, even when partnerships
do not exist between the bank and MNO.
Ecobank Mobile App and Xpress account:The Ecobank Mobile App enables mobile
payments and banking solutions. The Mobile
App solution is operational with most MNOs
and will allow the IO beneficiaries subscribed
to any of the MNO networks to open digital
accounts (Xpress Accounts) with Ecobank and
receive payments from the IOs.
The existence of the Mobile App and Xpress
Account, in unison, will enable the IOs to make
instant payment to anyone within Ecobank’s 33
African presence countries, even if the recipient
does not currently have an Ecobank account.
The disbursement will be in local currency.
IO beneficiaries that do not have an Ecobank
account can open an Xpress account within
minutes, instantly fund it through a mobile
wallet, card or Agent, send money via the
Mobile App to a third party and even make
cross-border payments.
Ecobank has partnered with the most network
significant infrastructure Aggregators and MNOs
so that it can leverage on their wide distribution
networks, retail outlets and integrated services
(see Appendix 1 for details). In this way, the
bank encourages further deepening and financial
inclusion, whilst providing reliable and affordable
financial services to new and existing customers
in both banking and telecommunication worlds
covering various markets.
Ecobank has an aspiration to reach more than
100 Million customers by the end of 2020, to
also empower African youth and to help the
continent reach its developmental goals. MNOs
have sought to partner with Ecobank to deliver
mobile financial services to the unbanked, due
to its strong banking presence in Sub-Saharan
Africa, licenses already obtained and centralized
technological approaches adopted to deliver
services seamlessly in various markets. These
regional MNOs include MTN, Airtel, Orange,
Tigo, Etisalat.
Further, Ecobank has in-country agreements
with a number of additional MNOs. Altogether,
the partnerships mean that Ecobank can deliver
mobile money services via mobile money
in more than 33 countries.
Ecobank are the custodians of Trust accounts
for MNO-led mobile money operations
in 17 countries. In such markets, Ecobank is
especially well positioned to provide electronic
value for mobile disbursements as having both
IO and MNO float accounts can make for a more
efficient and timely settlements.
For IO customers, the choice of final MNO
partner to work with in such markets will be
determined by mapping MNO or Aggregator
reach to the IO’s disbursement locations.
100 million customers by 2020
Ecobank partnering with MNOs
Comparison of MNO v Ecobank offeringMNOs have strong mobile technology
capabilities on their GSM network such as
mobile data, USSD bearer channels, interactive
voice response and SMS capabilities and can
reach all types of handsets. The majority of
mobile money services are provided through
Telco USSD channels in conjunction with the
selling of airtime and data bundles, with the
financial products often delivered in partnership
with banks or financial institutions.
Ecobank has extended its online banking
services on both USSD and its Mobile App,
to all 33 countries of presence and customers
are able to access all these services from their
mobile phone devices, whether they are in their
country of residence or outside of their home
country. Customers are thus able to access their
funds anywhere and anytime to manage funds
in their bank accounts or electronic wallets and
remit funds within country and within Ecobank
network. The Mobile App and Xpress account
typically have a wider range of services than
seen with MNO Mobile Money facilities given
that Xpress is actually an online bank account.
Distribution/ Merchant networksEcobank partnerships allow access to all
partner MNO retail agent outlets, merchant and
Aggregators distribution networks, as well as its
numerous branches, ATMs and agency outlets
to serve its customers and third party wallets.
Technicaland Security
Book 5 / 8
Ecobank has extensive experience of
implementing solutions interfacing directly with
the ERP systems of our clients or to other banks
with full flexibility to accommodate IO specific
requirements.
We are able to integrate our e-banking Omni
payment platform with IO’s ERP systems
to facilitate seamless exchange of payment
instructions and statements. This integration
will make it possible for a two way direct
communication between IO ERP systems and
Ecobank Omni which makes it possible for
real-time high volume transaction processing
between the customers’ platform and that of
the bank.
Integration with ERP, accounting, e-banking, payment systems
Ecobank’s Straight Through Processing (‘STP’)
solutions can support transactions received
through:
• Internet – Ecobank Omni is a secure electronic
banking channel providing corporate clients
with single access for transaction and
reporting needs.
• Host-to-Host – Host to Host (H2H) is a secure
and automated two-way data transfer solution
that enables exchange of files between the
customer and the bank. The H2H connection
is available through Ecobank Omni.
• SWIFT FIN – enables financial SWIFT members
(banks or corporates) to exchange individual
structured financial messages securely and
reliably.
• SWIFT FileAct – FileAct enables SWIFT
members to transfer bulk files in a secure
and reliable manner. FileAct provides a cost-
effective way to transfer bulk files in different
formats, while leveraging the security and
reliability inherent in the SWIFTNet platform.
Systems integrations can be customised
to suit the IO’s requirements.
To enable reconciliation, Ecobank Omni
will provide the following;
• Wide range of detailed, customizable
and flexible reports
• Report daily statements and balances from
other banks (SWIFT MT940)
• Data download into multiple formats
(PDF, CSV, Excel, HTML)
• Real time tracking of payment status,
file upload, rejection/repair
• Online reporting, monitoring, tracking and
reconciliation of payments and receivables
• View, print, save and email payment advices
to beneficiaries
• Automated email notification to approvers
and beneficiaries
• Balance consolidation into a single base
reporting currency
• Omni can provide IO with transaction reports
as well as account statements in a standard
format such as AFB120, MT940 which can
be used for reconciliation.
• Detailed Reports and Audit Trail
• Robust reporting tool for defining report fields
• Flexible narration configuration as agreed with
Ecobank within a maximum of 40 characters
• Minimum handset functional capabilities
Reconciliations
Ecobank Mobile payment services are compatible with and accessible on Android, Windows, Apple iOS (iPhone / iPad) devices and any other mobile and devices, including basic phones, legacy 2G / 3G devices (Symbian / USSD service).
For USSD-based transactions, all type of phones are supported – low, middle and high devices. User will use the bank’s / MNO Short code to access the USSD menu for transactions.
For Ecobank Mobile App, Mobile phones with Android version of 4.4, iOS and Windows are all supported.
Mobile compatibility
IOs will make use of Ecobank Omni for payment
to regular account holders, Xpress accounts
and mobile wallets with MNOs and its system
security features include:
• Secure deployment of Trust Gate device
provided by IdenTrust – the device provides
mutual authentication, encryption and
electronic signature, and also protects against
all forms of known malware attack.
• Multiple tiers of firewall to prevent
unauthorized access to the Ecobank servers.
• 128 bit SSL encryption – Secure
communication protocol that encrypts
client information during transmission over
the internet.
• Two-factor authentication through unique
login details plus secure login tokens.
The user enters password associated uniquely
with the token and is validated in real-time.
Security of Omni in facilitating mobile payments
From an operational perspective, the bank
is able to leverage the workflow capabilities
within Omni to enhance the IO’s operational
controls. Key features include:
• Role-based security implementation with each
user configured to access certain accounts or
perform specific tasks as per their designation
within the company.
• User access can be restricted to accounts
and functions.
• Multiple transaction approval levels based
on client signing matrix.
• Detailed audit trail of user activity on
the system.
In case of a security breach, IO officials with
assigned profiles will quickly need to change
their passwords and inform their Ecobank
relationship manager or the contact centre.
Beneficiaries whose phones are stolen need
not worry as long as their PIN is not been
compromised. They only need to call the
Ecobank / MNO / Aggregator call centre for their
Xpress account or mobile wallet to be blocked
and re-enabled when their sim card is replaced.
Funds on beneficiary account or wallet also
remain intact as long as the PIN is not known
to others.
In terms of preventing beneficiary fraud,
Ecobank and its MNO and Aggregator partners
usually provide some financial literacy and
education prior to commencement of the
enrolment of beneficiaries. This includes advice
on matters such as PIN selection and its secrecy
for all types of transaction. Beneficiaries are
also supported 24/7 through bank or MNO
call centres.
Operational controls
Ecobank App and the Xpress Account
Book 6 / 8
Unrivalled in depth and breadth
Ecobank’s Mobile App covers all 33 countries
of Ecobank presence in four (4) languages –
English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. It is
unrivalled in both the depth and breadth of its
coverage and offers the following services:
• Instant transfers within the Ecobank African
network (33 countries) – FREE within the same
country and competitive pricing for cross-
border transfers within regulatory limits
• Instant payment ability using Ecobank
MasterPass Quick Response code technology.
• Instant opening of (KYC lite) Xpress Accounts –
NO account fees.
• Bill payments and instant collections by small/
medium/large entities.
• Transaction history, mini statements.
• Balance enquiries.
• Generation of full statements of account.
• Information services such as FX rates.
• Online real time chatting facility for Customers.
• Confirmation services.
• Payments outside Ecobank or on cash-out will
attract market-based charges.
• Cash in and cash out available at Agencies –
subject to regulatory approvals.
The Mobile App
Ecobank Mobile App enables mobile payments
and banking solutions. The Mobile App solution
is operational with most MNOs and will allow
the IO beneficiaries subscribed to any of the
MNO networks to open digital accounts
(Xpress Accounts) and receive payments
from the IO in question.
• Xpress Account is powered by the
beneficiary’s mobile phone number.
• Access to an Xpress Account is through
the Ecobank Mobile App and USSD.
• Easy to open with absolutely no
documentation. It is a free, instant,
self-service and can be utilised from
anywhere at any time (24/7). All that
is needed is an active registered mobile
number and a mobile phone.
• The KYC is based on the MNO SIM
registration and the minimum KYC
requirements are in line with those
stipulated by Central Bank’s guidelines.
• IO beneficiaries / staff can easily open this
account and receive payments instantly
including at offsite or project locations.
• It is similar to a mobile wallet but offers more
features as it is a bank account offering;
– Transaction history, mini statements
– Balance enquiries
– Generation of full statements of account
– Information services such as FX rates
– Online real time chatting facility for customers
– Confirmation services.
– Payments outside Ecobank or on cash-out will
likely attract market-based charges
– Cash in and cash out available at Agencies –
subject to regulatory approvals
Free, instant self service
Ecobank Mobile App and the Xpress Account
The existence of the Mobile App and Xpress
Account in unison, will enable the IO to make
instant payments to anyone within an Ecobank
presence country, even if the recipient does
not currently have an Ecobank account. The
disbursement will be in local currency.
IO staff or beneficiaries who do not have an
Ecobank account can open an Xpress account
within minutes, instantly fund it through a
mobile wallet, card or Agent, and send money
via the Mobile App to a third party, including
cross-border payments.
Benefits of the App and Xpress Account combined
Beneficiary information and KYC requirements
differ per country due to licensing and Central
Bank regulations.
Setting up an Xpress account with Ecobank is
quite deliberately a KYC lite process and can
be achieved in a matter of minutes. The key
requirements are the beneficiary’s mobile
phone number, first name, surname and an
identification document. It is, however, critical
that collection of this information is accurate.
Accounts will be run with transactional size
limits that bear relation to the level of KYC
information provided.
Typical IDs that must be used should be national
IDs such as Passport, National identification
cards, Drivers license, Voter’s ID.
Due diligence and KYC (‘Know Your Customer’) information
The intended recipient:
• must have Mobile phone, either feature (USSD) or smartphone
• must have downloaded the Ecobank Mobile App for those with smart phone. Download is not required for feature phones
• must have selected a PIN
• must open active Xpress account
Payment pre-requisites – Xpress Account Holder
Ahead of making a disbursement, the
IO will need to prepare the following:
• Xpress account or Mobile money payment
schedule template will need to be provided
and should contain the following fields:
– Recipient’s name –at least first, surname
and identification document
– Amount – must be in line with money
mobile maximum limit per transaction in the
country – amounts that exceed the stated
amounts will require additional entries
– Xpress account number or Mobile
number in the agreed format
• Date for the transaction – a payment
schedule should be prepared, usually
four days in advance.
• Instruction as to whether credits to a
beneficiary should exclude withdrawal fees.
This can be established as a standard rule and
agreed with the MNOs or treated on a per
transaction basis.
• Ensure provision of adequate funds to facilitate
the payments and the applicable charges.
Payment pre-requisites – IO Finance team tasks
Payment into Xpress Accounts
• Upon fulfilling all pre-requisites, the bank will
transfer funds to beneficiary Xpress accounts.
• The beneficiary will receive an SMS alert that
their account has been credited.
• Beneficiaries can go to any Ecobank branch or
agreed MNO agents to cash the disbursed funds
or can make third party payments in a cashless
manner e.g. bill payments, direct transfers or
point of sale transactions.
• Ecobank will provide UN with a report on
the status of payments. The report will
show the name of the beneficiary, mobile
number, amount disbursed and status of the
disbursement (whether successful or not).
IO collates and sends beneficiary information – names, phone
number, and amounts to be paid
OMNI ERP H2H Intergration
Ecobank debits the IO account fund disbursement
Ecobank uploads disbursement file into mobile money platform and
schedules payment
Payment successful
(Mobile Wallet / Xpress Account credited)
IO/NGO Ecobank
END
Example – Anticipated Digital Flow
YES
Beneficiary will recieve SMS showing sender, amount and
narration
The IO recieves disbursement report
Beneficiary
Agent disburses funds
Mobile Wallet
POS, bill payments and transfers
Cash out at agent outlet or ATM
Mobile Bank Account
Xpress Account, Online Banking,
Savings insurances, Masterpass QR,
mVisa, POS, direct payments, bill payments etc.
Cash out at agent outlet or ATM
Ecobank is leading digitization and merchant
acceptance and interoperability in all its markets
in a bid to deepen financial inclusion and the
over-reliance of cash for payments. Ecobank
has strategic partners, including regulators,
to provide financial literacy in order to achieve
its goals.
MasterPass QR and mVisa products are mobile
payment solutions respectively from MasterCard
and Visa International that enable customers
and non-customers to use their mobile phones
to make payments to merchants for goods and
services. Customers can either use their Mobile
Banking app to scan the MasterPass QR / mVisa
QR code or use USSD to pay the Merchant
ID. Where there are available mobile money
payment services, these are well integrated to
the solutions for customers registered on the
MNO services to also make payments to
these merchants.
This solution comprises two aspects which
interact with each in the payment process:
• The Merchant / Seller (Acquiring) – The
Merchant is acquired by the bank and issued
a Merchant ID and QR Code specific to the
Merchant. The QR Code and Merchant ID
will be displayed at the Merchant location
for buyers / customers to use for making
payment. This is usually displayed as “Ecobank
MasterPass QR / mVisa Available here”.
• The Buyer/Customer (Issuing) – the buyer
is the customer that walks into the merchant
office / shop to pay for the goods or service
purchased using either a USSD short code
or using the Ecobank Mobile banking app
to scan the QRcode displayed.
Merchants network (supermarkets, utility service providers, pharmacies, etc.)
2,750 ATMs across network
Ecobank has +/- 1,250 bank branches and call
centres across its network where customers
can access further information about available
products and services from our Customer Service
officers, register for applicable services, enhance
their KYC status on the bank / MNO platform and
also withdraw cash when payments are made to
them via OMNI, Rapid Transfer, Mobile platform
or MNO service.
The branch network is complemented with
2,750 ATMs and a number of these ATMs
have been enabled for cardless withdrawal
functionality whereby customers will only need
to generate a token code from their mobile
account wallet to withdraw cash. These tokens
can also be consumed by third-parties.
ATM and branch network
Pre-Paid Cards
Book 7 / 8
Pre-paid cards can be used as an alternative to cash payments for both high value payments and cheque encashment.
Pre-paid card solution
• A pre-paid card is a reloadable payment card
which is issued to a cardholder who does not
have to own/operate a savings or current
account with the bank.
• The Visa logo means the card is internationally
accepted in all Visa acceptance points.
The card can be used for ATM, PoS and Web
transactions.
What is a pre-paid card?
Features • Pin protected with chip technology
for enhanced security.
• Balance enquiry.
• SMS transaction alert notification.
• Card to card funds transfer.
• Individual Customer Web Profile.
• Payment for goods and services on Point
of Sale terminals at merchant outlets.
• Generation of mini Cashcard statements.
• Payment via internet.
• ATM withdrawal.
• Card can be Personalised or non-personalised.
• Reloadable.
• Pre-paid cards are not linked to any individual
or corporate bank account meaning card holders
do not need to have/operate a bank account.
• Instant Issue card can be obtained within
5 minutes, solution available 24/7.
• No credit history is required.
• Value can be used in a large number
of Visa enabled points, merchants globally,
and the internet.
• Can be reused for repeat payments.
• Provides up to date transaction history.
• Increased security – a personal identification
number (PIN) is used alongside the pre-paid
card as well as an SMS Text Alert received
in real time with the transaction placed.
• Eliminates the need to carry large sums of cash,
value securely maintained on the card.
• Even if lost or stolen, the value on the
cardholder’s account remains intact and
can be transferred onto another pre-paid
card unlike cash.
• Debit card holders afraid of using their debit
cards on the Internet for purchases may obtain
a pre-paid card which can be used solely
for that purpose and is not linked to their
domicile account.
• Enhanced security can be placed on the card
by parameter e.g. maximum value, maximum
amount per transaction, and maximum number
of transactions.
Benefits to customers/beneficiaries
Ecobank will be able to issue a pack of pre-
paid cards registered to the IO for distribution
to its staff or beneficiaries for adhoc or repeat
payments. These cards will be registered
under the IO and will not be tagged to
individual names.
The IO will hold Pre Paid card Pack.
A pack contains:
• Card.
• Pin and Card Instructions / Activation Link.
IO obtains necessary beneficiary documentation:
• Valid photo ID.
• 1 passport photograph.
• Completed application form.
Card Issuance on behalf of the IOs
The IO will send instructions to debit account and fund card(s) with desired amounts via Ecobank Omni.
Ecobank will provide the IO with online transaction reports on the cards for ease of reconciliation.
Mode of loading
Reconciliation
Process flow
1. Pre-paid cards and pins are issued to the IO upon request via letter or any other agreed means.
2. Using Omni, IO sends a file containing transfer details of each card holder to Ecobank for processing.
3. Ecobank debits IO account with total bulk amount and credits each pre-paid card.
4. SMS notification will be sent to the IO.
Details of transaction for bulk amount debited will show in the IO statement.
The IO will have online visibility of card transactions.
Mobile Network Operator (MNOs) Partnering
Appendix 1 Book 8 / 8
Ecobank has a relationship with at least one
major MNO in each country where it operates.
Ecobank has global contracts with Airtel, MTN
and Orange in this regard. Further Ecobank
has in-country agreements with a number of
additional MNOs. Altogether, the partnerships
mean that Ecobank can deliver mobile money
services via mobile money in 28 out of the
possible 33 presence countries. Where the
partnerships do not cover all applicable service,
then strategic partnerships with the multinational
aggregators will come to play.
Coverage in conjunction with Mobile Network Operators (‘MNOs’)
Ecobank will use its own agency network as
well as that of MNO partners agency networks
to disburse funds or perform agreed services
for the beneficiaries in each country.
The partners Ecobank will use are tabulated
below – for all the countries listed below Ecobank
can deliver payments to mobile wallets:
MNO agents’ network
Country
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroun
Central Africa Republic
Chad
Congo
Côte d’Ivoire
DR Congo
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea Conakry
Guinea Bissau
Kenya
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mozambique
Niger
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Mobile money Services Platforms
MTN Mobile Money, Moov Flooz
Airtel Money now Orange Money
Smart Mobile (under development)
MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money
N/A, Orange Money
Airtel Money, Tigo Cash
MTN Mobile Money
MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money
Airtel Money, M-PESA, Orange Money
N/A, Qcell
Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, Tigo Cash, Vodafone Cash
MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money
MTN Mobile Money
M-PESA, Airtel Money
MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money
Airtel Money
Orange Money
Vodafone (under development)
Airtel Money, Orange Money
Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, Tigo Cash
Orange Money, Tigo Cash, Wari
Orange Money
MTN Mobile Money (under development)
Airtel Money, Tigo Cash, M-PESA, Ezy-Pesa
Moov Flooz
Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money
Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money
Ecocash
Total No. of Agents/Outlets per Country
600
13,500
N/A
7,420
N/A
14,500
1,000
14,725
38,500
N/A
80,600
2,800
N/A
85,000
600
17,000
15,700
N/A
19,500
14,000
17,800
2,660
N/A
125,000
17,000
49,000
2,000
7,000
Source – various MNO websites
In partnership with the MNOs, the following services can be made available to the end beneficiary:
• Government, business, peer-to-peer transfer.
• Transfers to / from bank accounts
and mobile wallets.
• Bills payment.
• Cash-in / cash out services.
• Airtime / Data bundles purchase.
• Bulk payments – straight through credits
to mobile wallets.
• Collections.
• Savings and investments.
IO collates and sends beneficiary information – names, phone
number, and amounts to be paid
OMNI ERP H2H Intergration
YES
NO
Ecobank debits the IO account fund disbursement
Ecobank uploads disbursement file into mobile money platform and
schedules payment
Reason for failure will be obstained and the IO informed
for further action
The IO rectifies cause of falier and sends fresh file
(exceptions)
IO decides to continue with Ecobank Mobile
The IO opts to pay beneficiaries whose disbursement failed through alternative means
Ecobank refunds the IO amounts and charges for failed
transactions
IO/NGO Ecobank
END
Example – Anticipated Digital Flow
Mobile Wallet
POS, bill payments and transfers
Cash out at agent outlet or ATM
YES
NO
Beneficiary will recieve SMS showing sender, amount
and narration
Mobile Bank Account
Xpress Account, Online Banking,
Savings insurances, Masterpass QR,
mVisa, POS, direct payments, bill payments etc.
Cash out at agent outlet or ATM
Payment successful
(Mobile Wallet / Xpress Account credited)
The IO recieves disbursement report
Beneficiary
Agent disburses funds
ecobank.com
