Ecobank Kenya yesterday unveiled a banking app, dubbed Fingo Africa app, targeted at young people in financial inclusion drive.

Following yesterday's launch in Nairobi, the app will now be rollout across Ecobank’s pan-African footprint of 33 countries; as well as in France, the UK, UAE, and China.

The App, a product of Kenyan fintech Fingo Africa and Ecobank, enables users to open a bank account via their mobile phone in less than four minutes, send money, pay bills and buy airtime.

Speaking at the event, President William Ruto, expressed the importance embracing emerging technologies in empowering young people on the continent.

“It is necessary for us to provide the digital infrastructure, and access to the Internet that will make it easy and possible for millions of young people to access opportunities to do business,” he said.

Jeremy Awori, CEO Ecobank Group, commented: “Simplifying access to finance makes it possible to overcome entrenched issues that have often acted as barriers to entry for young Africans.

“We have spoken to youth and we've asked them what they want, how they want to bank, and it is very different than other segments of the population. They want a product on the go; that serves their needs and is fun and exciting, convenient, and evolves over time.”

Kiiru Muhoya, CEO and co-founder at Fingo Africa, added: “Fingo Africa app will accelerate financial inclusion for Kenya’s youth and empower them just by using their mobile phones.

“We are looking forward to rolling out the app’s availability throughout Ecobank’s 33-country footprint, which will deliver on our vision of empowering Africa’s youth to create wealth in a way that is simple, fun, and educative.”