Ecobank launches Int`l technology centre…to facilitate its activities

Committed to improving on its service delivery, the Ecobank Group has unveiled its 'International Technology and Shared Services Centre' in Accra to facilitate its activities while providing customer comfort.

The US $40million initiative is designed to provide better banking services to attract and maintain customers who have always been a challenge to the banking sector and other financial and non-financial institutions.

The technology is a centralised processing hub of the Ecobank Group and is aimed at providing technology and telecommunications platform for its operations across its network of 22 countries.

The centre would be providing services including banking application, database, cards and electronic payments switch, website, internet, email and video conferencing services, telecoms hub services, web-based learning and development services as well as centralised processing hub, including account processing, credit processing and payment.

Officials of the bank said the innovation would enable it operate as “One Bank” with common brand, standards, processes, products and services across its entire network.

The Centre is supported by a secondary hub in Lagos and disaster recovery hub in Lome to ensure business continuity and leverage on the human capital and infrastructure available across the region.

“Our international technology and shared services centre demonstrates Ecobank's commitment to building a world class bank,” said Mande Sidibe, Chairman of the Ecobank Group.

According to him, the centre would reinforce the long-term position of Ecobank as a leading multinational institution on the African continent.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Arnold Ekpe, said “we remain focused on our strategy of growth, scale and efficiency to deliver value to shareholders.

He therefore noted that the establishment of the centre demonstrates the bank's commitment to operational excellence and efficiency through the use of technology.

Patrick Akinwuntan, the Group Executive Director of Ecobank in charge of Technology gave the assurance that the centre would be expanded to create a leading information technology park in the medium term, across its operations in Africa and beyond.

It aims at employing over 500 graduates from various fields, particularly in technology and engineering.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Joe Ghartey commissioned the project.

According to him, Ecobank represents the true spirit of New and Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).