Absa Bank Tanzania launches the first virtual branch engagement solution in the market

 

Absa Bank Tanzania Chief of Finance, Obedi Laiser (left), cuts a ribbon to inaugurate the bank’s first virtual branch engagement solution to be hosted on WhatSApp application. The brief event took place at Absa Mikocheni Branch in Dar es Salaam today. Watching (from right) are Absa Tanzania Head of Retail Banking, Oscar Mwamfwagasi and bank’s Head of Customer Experience, Samuel Mkuyu.

Absa Bank Tanzania Head of Retail Banking, Oscar Mwamfwagasi, addresses attendees during the launching ceremony.

Absa Bank Head of Customers Experience and Digital, Samuel Mkuyu, speaks during the launching ceremony.

Fasthub Solutions Business Manager, Hawa Mwakatundu, speaks at the launching event.

A cross-section of attendees fix their attention to the screen as Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Abdi Mohamed, speaks over teleconferencing facility.

Absa Mikocheni Branch Manager, Prisca Daudi, demonstrates how to use the just-launched Absa's virtual branch engagement solution in Dar es Salaam today.

Absa Bank Tanzania Chie of Finance, Obedi Laiser (left), the bank’s Head of Customer Experience, Samuel Mkuyu, and Absa Tanzania Head of Retail Oscar Mwamfwagasi, in buoyant mood during the official launch of the bank’s first virtual branch engagement solution to be hosted on Whatsapp application. The occasion was held at Absa Mikocheni Branch in Dar es Salaam today.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Absa Bank Tanzania has today launched its first ever virtual branch engagement solution to all customers. The new engagement solution is hosted on WhatsApp and will enable its customers to book their banking services and know the turnaround time per service prior to being attended to. The solution is aimed to fit into customers lifestyles and enhance their experience while at the branch.

Addressing the press to announce the system launch, the bank’s Managing Director, Abdi Mohamed said, “Absa’s aim is to become a digitally led bank while providing solutions which caters for our customers convenience and lifestyles. Our customers no longer need to wait aimless at the branch lobby, we are now in a position to engage them before they even arrive through their mobile phones.”

“We chose WhatsApp because it makes interacting with customers easy, private and personalized. Based off our market research at least 68% of WhatsApp users think using the platform is the easiest and most private way to connect. This system will also enable customers to share their feedback on their experience which will put more emphasis on how we can better improve our products and services. As a bank we are truly tapping into our customers lifestyles, by partnering with Fintech companies such as FastHub Solutions to provide more meaningful personalized moments for our customers”, said the Head of Customer Experience (CX) & Digital, Samuel Mkuyu.

The bank’s Head of Retail Banking, Oscar Mwamfwagasi also said, “We have not excluded our non-smartphone owning customers (Feature Phones). We guarantee them the exact same experience by sending a short message service (SMS) to our toll free acquired short code 15062. At Absa, we continue to aspire to help bring possibilities to life and we are now confidently placing our customers lifestyles and needs at the Centre of all we do. As an agile bank we are focused on empowering our customers and further revolutionizing the experience they have with us. We guarantee to serve them according to their needs and create the bank of the future now, which we call Africanacity".

Finance Director, Obedi Laiser concluded by saying "As Absa Bank Tanzania, we continue to harness technology and innovation to meet and anticipate our customers future demands. This platform was conceived from customers feedback that they wanted services to be hassle free and made easier according to the changing times. Our customers can trust that we will continue to evolve our role to become efficient and relevant in the market.

Furthermore, the solution is available to both existing customers with an account at Absa and new customers."