Addis Ababa (January 14, 2025) – Dashen Bank has announced the launch of its new Super App, spotlighting a first-of-its-kind “Chat Banking” feature in Ethiopia’s banking industry. The announcement was made at a formal event held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel, where bank executives and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the app’s capabilities and the institution’s vision for integrated digital services.
Chat Banking: A Key Highlight
The standout innovation of Dashen’s Super App is its Chat Banking tool, which allows registered users to transfer funds via text messages on social media or other messaging platforms. According to Dashen Bank Chief Executive Officer Ato Asfaw Alemu, “Chat Banking provides an additional layer of convenience and flexibility for customers who conduct a significant portion of their day-to-day communication through chat platforms.” The feature is designed to be secure and requires both sender and recipient to be registered Super App users, ensuring proper identity verification and reducing the risk of fraudulent activities.
Comprehensive Banking in One Place
Beyond Chat Banking, the Super App brings together a variety of banking and lifestyle services under one roof:
- Account Management: Customers can open new accounts, check balances, and review transaction histories directly from the app.
- Instant Transfers: Users can transfer money to other Dashen Bank accounts quickly and securely.
- Interest-Free Services: In addition to conventional banking, the Super App supports Sharia-compliant, interest-free banking options, aiming to reach a broad customer base.
- Budget Feature: A built-in budget tool enables users to set daily, monthly, or annual spending limits, helping them track and manage expenses.
E-Commerce and “Three-Click Shopping”
Dashen Bank’s Super App also aims to enhance the customer shopping experience through its “Three-Click Shopping” feature, which lets users purchase products from partner vendors in a few simple steps. This e-commerce integration extends to:
- QR Code Payments: Customers can scan QR codes to pay at participating retailers, reducing the need for physical cash or cards.
- Digital and Virtual Cards: For secure online transactions, the app generates digital cards that substitute traditional plastic cards.
Additional Lifestyle Services
By hosting multiple third-party services within the same application, Dashen Bank seeks to provide an all-encompassing digital hub. Users can:
- Buy airline tickets,
- Subscribe to digital TV or streaming platforms, and
- Access other entertainment or travel services,
all without leaving the Super App.
Future Enhancements and Outlook
The bank plans to roll out further functionalities in phases. Among the anticipated upgrades are micro-loans based on a user’s transaction history, more flexible saving arrangements, and expanded budgeting tools. According to Ato Asfaw, these future developments reflect Dashen Bank’s commitment to making financial services more accessible and efficient.
Industry observers note that Dashen Bank’s move could encourage similar innovations across Ethiopia’s banking sector. As competition grows, more institutions may seek to introduce integrated digital solutions, including chat-based services, to keep pace with changing customer expectations.
For more information or updates on the Super App, customers and stakeholders are encouraged to contact Dashen Bank’s public relations department or visit the official website.
