Wegagen Bank, in partnership with E-Birr Mobile Financial Services, has introduced a new mobile wallet service designed to enhance financial accessibility and streamline banking.
The service eliminates the need for physical branch visits. It allows users to open a wallet account, transfer funds, make payments, and manage transactions seamlessly via a mobile app or USSD short code.
The mobile wallet service was officially launched in a ceremony held in Shire town, attended by customers and distinguished guests. During the event, Wegagen Bank’s Deputy CEO for Enterprise Services, Ato Yehwalashet Zewdu, emphasized that the E-Birr mobile wallet empowers users to transfer money and make payments anytime, anywhere. He highlighted that the service would significantly expand the bank’s reach and promote financial inclusion.
Ato Bewket Tafere, Board Chairperson of E-Birr Mobile Financial Services, also spoke at the launch, stressing the importance of collaboration with fintechs in modernizing Ethiopia’s banking sector. He noted that E-Birr has already facilitated over Birr 2 trillion in transactions.
Brand Ambassador for Wegagen Bank, Artist Selam Tesfaye, encouraged customers to take advantage of the bank’s digital banking services, including the newly launched E-Birr Wallet.
The service is accessible by downloading the E-Birr app from the Play Store or App Store, or by dialing *602# and selecting Wegagen Bank as the preferred service provider. Notably, individuals without bank accounts can also benefit from the mobile wallet service.
By linking a Wegagen account to the wallet, users can transfer funds, and make payments for services such as airtime, Ethiopian Airlines tickets, school fees, and more. The service is also available in areas where the bank does not have branches, thanks to agency banking.
Wegagen Bank, which commenced operations in 1997, now boasts a paid-up capital of over Birr 6 billion and total assets reaching Birr 74.6 billion. The bank offers both conventional and interest-free services and operates through 438 branches, 385 ATMs, 430 point-of-sale machines, 4,800 agents, and digital platforms. Wegagen Bank is also a pioneer in the Ethiopian financial sector as the first company listed on the newly launched Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX).
Source (including image): A press release sent to 2Merkto from Wegagen Bank
