Western Union has partnered with Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies, to launch a new international money transfer mobile app designed specifically for consumers in South Africa.
Source: Western Union Holdings, Inc
The collaboration aims to strengthen digital remittance services in South Africa by providing a fast, secure and convenient way for individuals to send money abroad using their smartphones.
As mobile connectivity and digital adoption accelerate across South Africa, demand for seamless cross-border payments continues to grow. The newly launched mobile app allows users to send international money transfers anytime, anywhere, directly from their Android or iOS devices.
“South Africa, is home to a growing population of digitally savvy consumers, many with deep ties across borders, that seek ways to move money internationally with flexibility and confidence,” said Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Head of Africa at Western Union. “We are delighted then that our partnership with Sasai Fintech allows us to bring the strength of our global network to where people are, enabling South Africa’s consumers to connect with the world, unlocking opportunity and helping communities and families thrive in an increasingly globalized economy.”
The partnership integrates Western Union’s international money transfer network, spanning more than 200 countries and territories, with Sasai Fintech’s advanced Payments-as-a-Service (PaaS) platform. The fully licensed, end-to-end remittance infrastructure enables customers in South Africa to:
- Send money to billions of bank accounts and digital wallets worldwide
- Arrange cash pickup at hundreds of thousands of retail agent locations abroad
- Fund transfers through multiple options, including debit and credit cards, electronic bank transfers, and Sasai’s retail network of more than 150,000 outlets
The co-branded Sasai, in partnership with Western Union service, is designed to streamline international payments while maintaining regulatory compliance and security standards.
Darlington Mandivenga, CEO of Fintech and Digital Platforms at Cassava Technologies, said the initiative supports broader financial inclusion goals across the continent. “Our partnership with Western Union accelerates financial inclusion and delivers real value to Africans in the diaspora and their families across the continent. Backed by our regulated assets, integrated tech stack, super app platform, and innovations like stablecoins, we’re redefining Africa’s payments infrastructure.”
South Africa ranks among the most digitally connected markets in Africa. According to the country’s 2023 General Household Survey, nearly 80% of households have internet access, with approximately 73% connecting primarily via mobile devices.
Remittance flows also remain significant. Market data indicates that outbound personal remittances from South Africa exceeded USD 1 billion in 2024, underscoring the importance of efficient international money transfer services for consumers and migrant communities.
The new international money transfer app is now available for download on Android and iOS smartphones. Customers can complete registration and identity verification in just a few steps before initiating secure global transfers directly from the app.
By combining global scale with localized digital infrastructure, Western Union and Sasai Fintech aim to enhance access to cross-border financial services and support South Africa’s increasingly mobile-first economy.
