Sparkle, a Nigerian digital platform described to “provide financial, lifestyle and business support services to Nigerians around the world”
This comes after the startup was granted a banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Via its Android and iOS mobile application, Sparkle offers comprehensive support for its users. Its offerings include flexible payments, savings and analytics to provide flexibility and control over one’s finances and lifestyle.
Sparkle’s users will be provided with visibility over spending patterns, with a detailed breakdown of payments by category. Tools such as Sparkle Stash, a savings tool aimed towards specific goals, are included. Users will also have the ability to split payments, make utilities and bill payments.
Also, they will be able to send and receive money in the Sparkle network and with other local banks. Customers will also have access to Indy, the platform’s financial and customer services chatbot.
The digital platform was founded by the former CEO of Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie. A tech investor and financial inclusion advocate, Dozie currently fronts an online TV show on tech entrepreneurs, Tech Turks and tech event, TechFest in Lagos, Nigeria.
He had this to say about the launch.
“Sparkle will be transformational for Nigerians across the globe and I am hugely excited to be launching it today. Sparkle is redefining Nigerian commerce by merging financial services with a seamless lifestyle solution.
We are removing barriers using technology and data, driving inclusion at scale. In doing so, we are empowering Nigerians to fulfil their potential, democratizing access to valuable solutions for both business and personal needs.”
On another note, Sparkle will partner with VISA, Microsoft and PwC Nigeria to achieve its vision of redefining Nigerian commerce. According to Dozie, the partnerships will provide industry-leading expertise in APIs, cloud computing, data science, machine learning, tax and financial advisory services for the benefit of Sparkle’s customers.
The launch of Sparkle comes at a time when most of Nigeria’s population have mobile connectivity, with 39% having access to mobile broadband connections. The country also has a young and growing population with social networks forming part of their everyday life.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt across Nigeria, accelerating the transition to more digitally enabled lifestyles. As such, there is a real opportunity for digital-only propositions like Sparkle to meet Nigeria’s needs, for individuals and small businesses to remain connected and thrive, both now and in the future.
Source: Techpoint
