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Zimbabwean startup launches WhatsApp-based digital wallet for payments

Zimbabwean startup, Bitkesh has launched a WhatsApp-based digital wallet to help unbanked foreign nationals in South Africa make payments.

Zimbabwean startup, Bitkesh has launched a WhatsApp-based digital wallet to help unbanked foreign nationals in South Africa make payments.

The WhatsApp-based digital wallet developed on the Stellar blockchain. UhuruWallet’s target market is primarily unbanked foreign nationals in South Africa.

Since launching its beta version, Tsvetu said UhuruWallet had received over 750 signups and was on its way to moving ZAR1 million (US$53,000) in its first month. It currently allows people to do things like send and receive money, and pay for DStv.

He said the launch of UhuruWallet had come at an opportune time, as Bitkesh had begun to slow down. However, it has now started receiving a lot of traffic again post-launch and as a result of the COVD-19 national lockdowns.

“Bitkesh is now going to focus on payments in local currencies, like school fees, as well as acquiring corporate clients, since they accrue a lot of local currency but still need to make foreign payments,” Tsvetu said.
“Uhuru will be a more casual wallet for peer-to-peer transactions. People have already started testing the send money option with their recipients exchanging the balance for hard cash with other peers looking to make payments such as DStv, Avon and INUKA. We plan on spreading to the rest of the SADC region within six months.”

We look forward to such inclusive innovations in Nigeria's tech space also.

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