WayaWaya and Choice Bank Launch AI-Driven Neobank to Transform African Financial Services

WayaWaya and Choice Bank have launched WayaWaya Banking in Kenya, introducing an "Intelligent Adaptive Banking" model that uses artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust user interfaces based on financial behavior. For fintech professionals, this represents a shift toward intent-based UX in African neobanking, moving away from static, product-led application designs toward personalised digital environments.

What was announced

The launch of WayaWaya Banking introduces a service that enables users to open bank accounts, hold funds in multiple currencies, and perform both local and international transfers. Operating under the regulatory framework of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the platform also facilitates utility bill payments. The partnership is structured with Choice Bank providing the regulated banking infrastructure, while WayaWaya manages the technology platform and customer experience.

The core feature of the service is its "Intelligent Adaptive Banking" model. This approach uses artificial intelligence to analyse how users earn, spend, save, and invest, subsequently adjusting the dashboard to reflect their current financial priorities. The platform is designed to present different tools based on specific user profiles. For example, entrepreneurs who regularly manage collections and supplier payments will see cash flow and business expense tools more prominently. Salaried professionals are provided with easier access to budgeting and savings tools, while investors see portfolio funding and investment transactions highlighted.

The system is designed to adapt as a customer’s circumstances change; if a salaried individual begins a business, the interface automatically shifts to emphasise tools for tracking business expenses and receiving payments. This launch is part of a broader ambition to establish a pan-African neobank. WayaWaya intends to connect financial services across different markets, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, through local partnerships to help businesses navigate disconnected financial systems and varying currencies.

"Traditionally, banks build applications around products and expect customers to adapt to them. We believe the future should be the opposite: banking should adapt to the customer. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a salaried professional or an investor, your banking experience should reflect what you actually need to accomplish financially."

Teddy Ogallo, founder and CEO, WayaWaya

The companies involved

WayaWaya, also referred to as Waya, is a fintech company specialising in digital services and personalisation technology. The firm focuses on building platforms that interpret financial activity to identify patterns, with the goal of making relevant financial capabilities accessible without requiring users to search for them. WayaWaya operates the technology platform and manages the customer experience for its banking services, aiming to build an interconnected financial network across the African continent.

Choice Bank is a regulated financial institution that provides the banking infrastructure necessary for digital platforms to offer regulated services. In this partnership, Choice Bank enables WayaWaya users to access banking services within the app while ensuring compliance with national financial regulations. By providing the underlying framework for account management and fund holding, Choice Bank allows technology partners to tailor how financial services are presented to specific demographics, such as business owners or individual savers. The bank's role is essential in bridging the gap between traditional regulated banking and modern digital delivery models.

What this means

This announcement highlights a significant evolution in the African neobanking sector, moving the needle from basic digital access to sophisticated, data-driven user experiences. By adopting an "adaptive" model, WayaWaya is challenging the "one-size-fits-all" approach that has long defined both traditional and early-stage digital banks in the region. This puts pressure on incumbents to move beyond static mobile apps and invest in AI-driven personalisation to retain high-value segments like entrepreneurs and investors. However, the success of this model raises questions about the technical challenges of maintaining a seamless UX while navigating the highly fragmented regulatory and payment landscapes across different African jurisdictions.