Wegagen Bank has announced the launch of its mobile wallet service, Wegagen e-Birr, in collaboration with e-Birr Mobile Financial Services. This service enables customers to open wallet accounts, transfer funds, make payments, and manage their accounts without visiting a bank branch.
The launch event took place in Shire town in the presence of numerous customers and invited guests. Speaking at the ceremony, the bank’s Enterprise Services Executive Director, Ato Yadeshet Zewdu, emphasized that the Wegagen e-Birr mobile wallet service allows customers to transfer money and make payments anytime, anywhere. He also highlighted that the service will significantly enhance the bank’s reach and inclusivity.
Ato Beteema Tafer, Chairman of the e-Birr Mobile Financial Services Board, also spoke at the event, underscoring the role of collaboration between banks and technology providers in modernizing and transforming the banking industry. He noted that such partnerships facilitate fast, reliable, and secure transactions. Ato Beteema further stated that over 2 trillion Birr worth of transactions have been processed through the e-Birr platform, contributing to increased financial accessibility and inclusivity across all segments of society.
The bank’s brand ambassador, artist Selam Tesfaye, attended the event and encouraged customers to take advantage of the bank’s digital banking services, including the newly launched Wegagen e-Birr service. Customers can access the service by downloading the e-Birr app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store or by *dialing 602# and selecting Wegagen Bank. Notably, individuals without a bank account can also benefit from this service.
The Wegagen e-Birr mobile wallet service allows customers to link their wallet account to a regular Wegagen Bank account, enabling seamless transfers between the two. Additionally, users can transfer funds to other customers or individuals who are not wallet users and can access agent banking services in areas where the bank is not physically present. The service also facilitates secure payments for various services, including mobile airtime, Ethiopian Airlines flight tickets, water bills, school fees, and horse transportation.
Established on June 4, 1989, by 16 shareholders with an initial capital of Birr 60 million and a paid-up capital of Birr 30 million, Wegagen Bank has since expanded significantly. The bank currently boasts a paid-up capital of Birr 6 billion and a total capital of Birr 11 billion. Its total assets have grown to Birr 74.6 billion.
Wegagen Bank provides comprehensive interest-free banking services, including Wegagen Amana, through 443 branches, 394 ATMs, and 457 POS terminals, as well as digital platforms such as mobile banking, internet banking, and 4,800 agent banking service providers. Furthermore, Wegagen Bank is the first and only company to be listed on the recently launched Ethiopian Securities Market.