Ecobank is the only bank in Rwanda whose payment ecosystem allows Canal+ clients to buy or renew their monthly subscription, courtesy of a new partnership signed with the TV operator. The agreement was signed on Friday, December 3 and followed by a joint press conference held at Canal+ headquarters in Kigali. Under the agreement, Canal+ clients and third party payers have been provided with a simpler, instant and secure payment method through the use of Ecobank services. The subscription can be bought or renewed through Ecobank branches all over the country, through the bank’s agents or using a mobile Ecobank app. Commenting on the partnership, Alice Kilonzo-Zulu, the Managing Director of Ecobank Rwanda said that it will be of mutual benefits to all parties involved. “It will enable Canal+ Rwanda to offer additional payment options to its subscribers and in turn provides their customers with ‘anywhere anytime’ convenience for their instant subscription top-ups using their mobile phones” she said. “For us, it will further our digital strategy to boost the usage of our Ecobank Mobile App, which is the digital gateway to financial services for consumers throughout Rwanda and Africa,”. On her part, Sophie Tchatchoua, the Managing Director of Canal+ Rwanda rooted for digital payments that allows Canal+ clients to acquire subscriptions, which she explains provides safety and convenience. “Adopting digital payments provides both convenience and safety for our customers by allowing them to renew their subscriptions from the comfort of their homes. It is in line with our commitment at Canal+ Rwanda to always think of our customers first,” she noted. Echoing Tchatchoua views, Jules Wanda, Canal+ Marketing and Client retention manager also reiterated his company’s will to partner with Ecobank which also operates outside Rwanda, hence explaining that this will reach even to customers out of Rwanda. He then revealed that the content distributor’s goal is to have all the possible secure payment options usable to purchase the subscription. Apart from Ecobank Rwanda, viewers are also able to purchase Canal+ subscription using Airtel and MTN Mobile money payments. Ecobank Rwanda is a member of the Pan-African Banking Group, Ecobank Group. It has been present in Rwanda for the last 15 years, and has eight branches, 32 ATMs, 290 Xpress Point agents, 2,272 merchants and serves numerous customers through its Consumer, Commercial and Corporate banking divisions. The Ecobank group employs about 14,000 people and serves over 29 million customers in 33 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.
