• EcoCash shifts from mobile wallet to full digital ecosystem with social payments

• Platform adds merchant services, content monetization, and new revenue streams

• Move reflects growing competition among super apps across Africa

EcoCash, Zimbabwe’s leading mobile money service with more than 8 million accounts, has announced the transformation of its platform into a “super app,” marking a shift toward a more integrated digital ecosystem.

The announcement, made on April 23, signals a move beyond basic mobile wallet functions to a broader platform that combines messaging, payments, and everyday services within a single interface.

At the center of this transition is the introduction of “social payments.” Users can now chat, send money, and settle expenses without leaving the messaging interface. The app also includes features such as automatic bill splitting, allowing users to divide shared costs instantly—an option that aligns with common group spending practices in the local economy.

EcoCash is also expanding beyond peer-to-peer payments by integrating merchant services, bill payments, and the purchase of airtime and mobile data. The platform introduces content monetization tools as well, enabling creators, influencers, and small businesses to generate income directly through the app, turning social interactions into commercial activity.

This shift reflects a dual strategy: increasing user engagement while diversifying revenue streams at a time when traditional financial services are reaching maturity.

The move is part of a broader trend across Africa, where telecom operators and fintech firms are evolving into multi-service platforms. Similar initiatives include Orange’s Max it and Ethio Telecom’s Telebirr, both designed to build integrated ecosystems that capture a growing share of digital usage.

The goal is to move beyond single-service offerings and become embedded in users’ daily lives. Industry players are working to combine communication, payments, and commercial services into a seamless experience.

Developed by Sasai Fintech, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, EcoCash is also exploring new features, including stablecoin-based remittance services through a partnership with U.S.-based company Circle. The platform is expected to incorporate artificial intelligence to deliver more personalized services over time.

Samira Njoya