By Adedapo Adesanya
Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Bank, Mr Uzoma Dozie, has launched Sparkle, a Nigerian digital platform that will provide financial and business support to Nigerians in the country and around the world.
The service was launched on Wednesday, June 3 after the startup was granted a banking license by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
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 saving goals are included.
In addition, users will also have the ability to split payments, make utilities and bill payments.
The service is available via its Android and iOS mobile application and it 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.
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.
Speaking on the launch, Mr Dozie said, “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.”
Speaking further, Mr Dozie noted that Sparkle will partner with VISA, Microsoft and PwC Nigeria to achieve its vision of redefining Nigerian commerce.
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 almost 40 percent having access to mobile broadband connections. The country also boasts a young and growing population with social networks forming part of their everyday life, which the service hopes to tap into.
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt across Nigeria, it became clearer to speed up the transition to more digitally enabled lifestyles.
Sparkle says it sees real opportunity to meet Nigeria’s needs, in order for individuals and small businesses to remain connected and thrive, both now and in the future.
Aduragbemi Omiyale