Western Union, Sasai launch money transfer app for SA

Through the co-branded service, customers can transfer funds to billions of bank accounts and wallets worldwide, or opt for cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of retail locations abroad

Western Union and Sasai Fintech, a Cassava Technologies company, have launched a new international money transfer mobile app tailored specifically for consumers in South Africa.

The new application is designed to meet the evolving needs of an increasingly connected and mobile population, offering users a seamless and reliable way to send money abroad at any time.

The strategic collaboration fuses Western Union’s expansive global network—which spans more than 200 countries and territories—with Sasai Fintech’s cutting-edge Payments-as-a-Service (PaaS) technology. Sasai’s PaaS solution operates as a fully integrated, end-to-end remittance platform that encompasses both the necessary technology infrastructure and the required regulatory licensing.

Through the co-branded service, customers can transfer funds to billions of bank accounts and wallets worldwide, or opt for cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of retail locations abroad.

The launch targets a highly digitally engaged population. According to South Africa’s 2023 General Household Survey, nearly 80% of households in the country have internet access, with around 73% connecting via mobile devices.

Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Western Union’s head of Africa, highlighted the strategic importance of the region: 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.

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, he added.

Darlington Mandivenga, CEO of fintech and digital platforms at Cassava Technologies, emphasized the broader technological impact: Our partnership with Western Union accelerates financial inclusion and delivers real value to Africans in the diaspora and their families across the continent.