Local fintech partners with Infobip to create SAs first WhatsApp payment gateway 

Joburg-based fintech startup Ukheshe Technologies and Infobip, a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected customer experiences across all stages of the customer journey at scale, have worked together to develop the country’s first WhatsApp payment gateway. 

Ukheshe Technologies and Infobip have created SA’s first WhatsApp payment gateway

Clayton Hayward, co-founder, and CEO of Ukheshe comments on creating the latest state-of-the-art payment development.

“We are thrilled that through various working associations we are able to assist organisations to address financial literacy and inclusion. The chat banking solution empowers end customers by giving them access to the Internet, an efficient and secure digital wallet, while meeting Know your Customer (KYC) requirements. The digital wallet will also be able to link to other cards, add virtual cards, pay or get paid with a QR code, send money, make cash withdrawals or pay for goods.” 

According to reports, the innovative and new WhatsApp payment gateway will be utilised by Telkom. 

South Africa’s first WhatsApp payment gateway

As the country’s first digital wallet platform, the latest innovation is also the first WhatsApp channel to enable payments by using QR code reading.

Working hand-in-hand Infobip’s WhatsApp business API solution is leveraged by the South African fintech’s cutting-edge Eclipse API integration and is reportedly a first-of-its-kind. 

The payment gateway allows users to send money to anyone with a mobile number safely and efficiently with no need for an additional app or software as it taps into WhatsApp. 

The collaboration with Infobip forms part of the local fintech’s overall aim of expanding its business model internationally to become a global B2B provider of digital-first payment solutions. This solution enables banks, telcos, and fintechs to provide banking and payment services to customers via Ukeshe’s solution dubbed ‘Chat Banking’.

Shaun Van Rooyen, Strategic Accounts and Partnerships Manager at Infobip South Africa, provides insight into the partnership with Ukeshe. 

“It has been a great pleasure to work with Ukheshe on this project. The initiative and wonderful partnership align with our goal of connecting the world. The project is something that we are proud of and want to keep working on to see how we can help Ukheshe do more.” 

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