UBA’s LEO becomes Africa’s first AI chatbot for cross-border payments

In a landmark development for Africa’s digital banking and financial integration, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced the activation of cross-border payment capabilities on its Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbot, LEO, making it the first AI chatbot on the continent to enable instant international transactions.

The innovative feature allows customers to send and receive funds across African borders in local currencies, providing a faster, more inclusive, and efficient payment experience.

The service is powered by the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a centralized infrastructure developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) in collaboration with African central banks.

With this breakthrough, LEO—already renowned for simplifying customer engagement—has evolved into a full-service, cross-border digital transaction platform, enabling seamless money transfers between participating African countries.

Speaking on the milestone, UBA Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, described the integration as a “bold leap into the future of African finance,” reaffirming the bank’s commitment to digital transformation and regional financial inclusion.

“The introduction of cross-border payments on LEO, in partnership with PAPSS, reflects our commitment to digital innovation, Pan-African integration, and customer-centric banking. This is not just a banking upgrade—it is a transformational step that addresses the real needs of a connected Africa,” Alawuba said.

He added that the new functionality aligns with UBA’s vision of enabling intra-African trade, reducing dependency on foreign currencies, and breaking down barriers that hinder economic cooperation across the continent.

According to Shamsideen Fasola, UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, the enhanced LEO platform brings a host of benefits to individual and corporate users alike:

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“With LEO now fully integrated with PAPSS, our customers can transact effortlessly across borders. Whether it’s for trade, remittances, or personal transfers, we are unlocking economic potential across the continent,” Fasola stated.

Beyond convenience, UBA’s latest innovation plays a crucial role in supporting the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by formalizing informal trade, lowering transaction friction, and expanding access to formal banking tools for underserved populations.

The cross-border feature is expected to empower traders, SMEs, and multinationals operating across Africa, by enabling real-time settlements in local currencies—a major shift from the traditional reliance on external currencies like the US dollar or euro.

This development further cements UBA’s position as a trailblazer in African banking innovation. With over 45 million customers worldwide, UBA operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates.

The bank employs over 25,000 staff members and continues to pioneer technology-driven solutions across retail, commercial, and institutional banking sectors.

As Africa’s first bank to launch cross-border payments via an AI-powered chatbot, UBA has once again raised the bar for what is possible in digital banking. With LEO leading the charge, the future of intra-African financial connectivity is being redefined—one intelligent transaction at a time.