United Bank for Africa (UBA) has rolled out a new feature on its AI-powered chatbot, LEO, enabling customers to make instant cross-border payments in local currencies, marking a first for the African banking sector.

The service, now live, is built on the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), developed in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). It allows individuals, businesses, and traders to send and receive funds across African countries where PAPSS has central bank approval, eliminating the need for foreign currency conversions.

UBA said the platform offers instant transactions, lower processing costs, and zero charges for recipients. Customers can access the service through self-service channels with enhanced security features and expanded remittance options.

“This is a bold leap into the future of African finance,” said Oliver Alawuba, Group CEO of UBA. “We’re not just upgrading digital banking. We’re responding directly to the needs of Africans seeking faster, cheaper, and more inclusive payment solutions.”

Shamsideen Fasola, Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, said the integration also supports broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by formalizing informal trade and improving access to intra-African financial services.

With this move, UBA becomes the first bank in Africa to embed PAPSS-enabled cross-border payment capabilities into a chatbot. The bank, which operates in 20 African countries and serves over 45 million customers, said it aims to accelerate digital banking transformation and strengthen its position as a continental leader in innovation.