Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa are set to benefit from a new digital payments partnership between global money transfer giant Western union and Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies.
The two entities have launched a co-branded international money transfer mobile app specifically designed for the South African market. The platform is expected to significantly ease the process for the Zimbabwean diaspora to send funds home, tapping into one of Africa’s most active migration and remittance corridors.
“South Africa is home to a growing base of digitally savvy consumers with strong cross-border ties who are seeking flexible and reliable ways to move money internationally,” said Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Head of Africa at Western Union. He said the partnership would extend the company’s global network to mobile-first customers, helping families and communities to stay connected across borders.
The collaboration integrates Western Union’s vast network—spanning more than 200 countries and territories—with Sasai’s robust payments infrastructure. This includes a fully integrated remittance platform and a retail network of more than 150 000 outlets.
For the Zimbabwean community in South Africa, the app provides diverse funding and collection options. Users can fund their transfers via debit and credit cards, electronic bank transfers, or cash payments at Sasai retail points. Recipients in Zimbabwe can receive the funds directly into bank accounts, digital wallets, or as cash at traditional retail locations.
Darlington Mandivenga, CEO of Fintech and Digital Platforms at Cassava Technologies, said the partnership would support financial inclusion and strengthen payment flows between Africans in the diaspora and recipients across the continent.
“Backed by our regulated assets, integrated tech stack, super app platform, and innovations like stablecoins, we are redefining Africa’s payments infrastructure,” Mr Mandivenga said.
The move comes at a time when digital adoption is surging in South Africa. According to the 2023 General Household Survey, nearly 80 percent of households have internet access, with approximately 73 percent connecting via mobile devices. Market data further indicates that outbound personal remittances from South Africa exceeded US$1 billion in 2024.
The new app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices. The companies confirmed that users can register, complete identity verification and begin transferring funds within minutes, providing a critical digital link for Zimbabweans supporting families back home.
