Gov’t, Ecobank launch digital payment gateway for revenue collection

This initiative entrusts Ecobank Gambia Ltd. with the efficient and transparent collection of revenues on behalf of the Gambia government.

The signing ceremony took place on Thursday 22 August 2024 at the Accountant General’s Office Conference Hall in Banjul.

At the ceremony, the Accountant General Agnes Macauley said the partnership would enhance government service delivery by consolidating the efforts of all revenue-collecting partners. She highlighted that the system would allow the government to have real-time visibility of its financial position, regardless of where revenue is collected nationwide.

Macauley noted that this initiative would enable her office to focus more on other areas of financial reporting and accounting. She mentioned that the MoU’s implementation would commence immediately after the signing and encouraged Ecobank Gambia customers to use the bank for government-related payments.

She revealed that this collaboration has commenced for some time and commended Ecobank Gambia for its proactive efforts in establishing the payment gateway. Macauley emphasised that the gateway was designed to simplify customer payments for various government services across the country. She stressed the significance of the partnership in bringing this system to fruition.

“As we move forward, the benefits of this system will become more apparent. While challenges are inevitable, our commitment to perfecting the system is crucial,” she stated, thanking Ecobank Gambia Ltd. and all partners involved.

Macauley also emphasised the importance of public awareness, urging the need for sensitising the public about the new initiative. “This is a government programme aimed at digitizing the economy, beginning with the Central Government and extending to other agencies. We are partnering with Ecobank Gambia to promote this product,” she added.

Mass Manjang, Ecobank’s chief financial officer, who deputised for the managing director, assured that the bank would provide cost-effective and convenient service delivery, allowing customers to easily pay fees or taxes. He highlighted Ecobank’s position as a leading digital bank in the country and emphasised the strategic nature of their partnership with the Accountant General’s Office.

Mr. Manjang noted that the initiative is part of Ecobank’s Corporate Social Responsibility, supporting the government’s revenue collection efforts. He assured the Accountant General that Ecobank has competent team and platform to deliver the service effectively, with the goal of becoming the leading institution in digital revenue collection.

Malick S. Jallow, head of Transaction Services Group (TSG) at Ecobank, reiterated the significance of this project for the bank, stating that Ecobank Gambia is well-positioned to lead the collection of revenues for the government through the bank’s array of digital platforms as well as branches across the country.

The digital platforms include the Ecobank Mobile App or Ecobank Online for individual payments and Ecobank Omni lite for corporate payments. This provides the bank’s clients the opportunity to process payments of government assessed service fee, for self and other individuals and or entities with ease and security.

Clients also have the option to walk into any Ecobank branch to process their payments. However, he advised clients to explore the bank’s digital platforms for ease and comfort.