Western Union and Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies, today announced the launch of a new international money transfer mobile app tailored for South Africa’s consumers. The app is designed to meet the fast-evolving needs of an increasingly connected and mobile population, offering a seamless and reliable way to send money abroad, seamlessly, anytime, anywhere
“South Africa, is home to a growing population of digitally savvy consumers, many with deep ties across borders, that seek ways to move money internationally with flexibility and confidence,” said Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Western Union’s Head of Africa. “We are delighted then that our partnership with Sasai Fintech allows us to bring the strength of our global network to where people are, enabling South Africa’s consumers to connect with the world, unlocking opportunity and helping communities and families thrive in an increasingly globalized economy.”
This strategic collaboration combines Western Union’s global network spanning 200 countries and territories with Sasai Fintech’s cutting-edge Payments-as-a-Service (PaaS) technology – a fully integrated, end-to-end remittance platform that includes both the technology infrastructure and the required licensing. Customers can transfer funds to billions of bank accounts and wallets worldwide, or for cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of retail locations abroad; they can send money via the co-branded, Sasai in partnership with Western Union money transfer service, with multiple convenient funding options that include Sasai’s retail network of over 150,000 outlets, debit or credit cards, and electronic funds transfers from their bank account.
Darlington Mandivenga, CEO, Fintech and Digital Platforms at Cassava Technologies, emphasizes “Our partnership with Western Union accelerates financial inclusion and delivers real value to Africans in the diaspora and their families across the continent. Backed by our regulated assets, integrated tech stack, super app platform, and innovations like stablecoins, we’re redefining Africa’s payments infrastructure.”
South Africa is home to one of the most digitally engaged populations in Africa. According to the country’s 2023 General Household Survey nearly 80% of households have internet access – with almost 73% connecting through mobile devices. Market data shows that in 2024, outbound personal remittances exceeded USD 1 billion.
The new mobile app can now be downloaded on Android and iOS smartphones. In just a few clicks, customers can register, verify their identity and begin sending money globally.
Africa Fact: Excavations at the Malian city of Gao carried out by Cambridge University revealed glass windows. One of the finds was entitled: “Fragments of alabaster window surrounds and a piece of pink window glass, Gao 10th – 14th century.”
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Fun South African Fact: The national animal of South Africa is the Springbok, the only southern African gazelle.
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Voetsek! – Go away! [foot-sak] Usually said with an angry tone when telling someone to go away or get lost. You don’t want to be saying this to a local or worse, if a local says this to you – you’ve really angered them!