Africa’s First Fully Digital Bank, ALAT by Wema, Set for Major Upgrade in January 2026

Africa’s First Fully Digital Bank, ALAT by Wema, Set for Major Upgrade in January 2026

Wema Bank Plc has announced a major upgrade of ALAT by Wema, Africa’s first fully digital bank, as the platform prepares to roll out a new and enhanced version in January 2026.

Branded “ALAT: The Evolution,” the upgraded platform is designed to redefine the next phase of digital banking by delivering a more intuitive, responsive and personalised user experience, further strengthening Wema Bank’s reputation as a leader in financial innovation.

According to the bank, ALAT: The Evolution represents a thoughtful advancement of the features customers already enjoy, while introducing smarter technology and faster interactions tailored to modern banking needs.

A major highlight of the upgrade is the introduction of SAW (Smart ALAT by Wema) — an AI-powered assistant integrated into the ALAT app. SAW is expected to enhance customer engagement by offering intelligent support, improved navigation and a deeper understanding of user behaviour, setting a new benchmark for digital banking in Africa.

Wema Bank said the revamped ALAT platform reflects its commitment to continuous innovation, customer-centric design and technology-driven solutions that anticipate evolving consumer expectations.

When ALAT was launched in 2017, it broke new ground as Africa’s first fully digital bank, transforming the way millions of customers access and experience financial services. Nearly a decade later, the bank says the latest upgrade underscores its determination to remain at the forefront of digital transformation within the financial services industry.

With ALAT: The Evolution, Wema Bank is not only enhancing functionality but also reinforcing its long-standing vision of making banking simpler, smarter and more accessible for individuals and businesses across Nigeria and beyond.

The upgraded platform is expected to go live in January 2026.