Western Union and Sasai Fintech Launch New Mobile App for International Money Transfers in South Africa

Western Union and Sasai Fintech, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, have launched a new international money transfer mobile application designed specifically for consumers in South Africa.

The mobile app aims to provide a simple, secure, and convenient way for users to send money abroad at any time from their smartphones, addressing the growing demand for digital remittance services in the country.

According to Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Head of Africa at Western Union, the service responds to the needs of South Africa’s increasingly digital population, many of whom maintain strong financial connections with family and communities abroad.

“South Africa is home to a growing number of digitally connected consumers who want flexible and reliable ways to transfer money internationally,” he said. “Through our partnership with Sasai Fintech, we are bringing the strength of Western Union’s global network directly to customers, helping them connect with loved ones and unlock economic opportunities across borders.”

The partnership combines Western Union’s international payments network—which spans more than 200 countries and territories—with Sasai Fintech’s advanced Payments-as-a-Service (PaaS) platform. The platform delivers a fully integrated remittance solution, including both the technology infrastructure and regulatory licensing required to operate.

Through the new co-branded service, customers will be able to send funds to billions of bank accounts and digital wallets worldwide or opt for cash collection at hundreds of thousands of retail locations globally. The service supports multiple funding options, including debit or credit cards, electronic bank transfers, and payments through Sasai’s retail network of more than 150,000 outlets.

Darlington Mandivenga, CEO of Fintech and Digital Platforms at Cassava Technologies, noted that the partnership strengthens financial inclusion and improves cross-border payments for Africans and members of the diaspora.

“Our collaboration with Western Union helps accelerate financial inclusion while delivering real value to Africans and their families across the continent,” Mandivenga said. “By leveraging our regulated infrastructure, integrated technology platform, and innovations such as stablecoins, we are helping reshape Africa’s payments ecosystem.”

South Africa remains one of Africa’s most digitally connected markets. Data from the country’s 2023 General Household Survey shows that nearly 80% of households have internet access, with most connections made through mobile devices. Meanwhile, outbound personal remittances from the country surpassed $1 billion in 2024, highlighting the growing importance of digital money transfer services.

The new mobile application is now available for download on Android and iOS devices, allowing users to register, complete identity verification, and begin sending money internationally within minutes.