NCBA Group PLC has taken a major leap in its digital transformation journey with the full rollout of the NCBA Now App, a cutting-edge digital banking platform designed to enhance financial inclusion and convenience across East Africa.
The app, now operational in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, integrates mobile, USSD, and internet banking into one seamless experience, enabling customers, both banked and unbanked to open personal current accounts in minutes without paperwork.
During the launch NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the move aligns with the bank’s mission to make finance more accessible and inclusive.
“Our digital transformation pillar isn’t just about technology, it’s about inspiring greatness by making finance accessible to every hustler in the region,” Gachora said.
The NCBA Now App allows users to check balances instantly, transfer funds to M-Pesa or Airtel Money, pay bills, and make contactless transactions. Entrepreneurs can also open dedicated business digital accounts through Stawi, a solution that provides payments, collections, and credit access of up to KES 1 million through digital personal loans.
According to NCBA’s H1 2024 financial results, the bank disbursed KES 478 billion in digital loans, representing a 15% year-on-year growth. Non-interest income from app-based investments and transaction fees also rose by 8% to KES 12.5 billion, signaling the growing demand for digital financial services.
Security remains a top priority, with token-based authentication and real-time fraud alerts ensuring user safety. For low-data users, NCBA provides access through USSD code *488#, while the NCBA Connect portal supports bulk transfers for corporate clients.
The bank’s decision to waive monthly fees for retail accounts has further accelerated adoption, particularly in underserved areas such as Kawangware, where digital account openings have surged by 25%.
In line with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, NCBA has digitized 70% of its transactions, reducing its carbon footprint and supporting over 5,000 SMEs across the region.
Financial analysts have praised NCBA’s innovation strategy, describing it as a “game-changer in user-centric banking.” With over 60 million customers, NCBA is positioning itself as Africa’s leading digital bank, eyeing API integrations with fintechs to expand its ecosystem.