Google Cloud has forged a strategic alliance with Ecobank to bolster the bank’s infrastructure, enhance AI integration, and refine its financial services across 33 African countries.

This partnership is designed to promote cross-border payments, innovate new digital products, and offer stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Ecobank will leverage various Google Cloud technologies, such as BigQuery and Apigee, to support its API infrastructure and deliver data-driven financial solutions. Ecobank officials expect the initiative to boost operational efficiency and personalize products for both individual customers and businesses while safeguarding data privacy and security.

The two organizations will also work together to simplify money transfers, provide more accessible payment platforms, and assist fintech developers integrating with Ecobank’s systems. Google Cloud’s Professional Services team will support the technical implementation of these planned services.

Google Cloud Collaborates with BBVA

Simultaneously, BBVA is deepening its relationship with Google Cloud by introducing Google Workspace and Gemini across its global operations. This move aligns with BBVA’s objectives to integrate AI more thoroughly into its business processes.

Beyond 100,000 BBVA employees will benefit from the deployment of Gemini AI and NotebookLM assistant following comprehensive training on responsible AI use. The bank has developed a mandatory training programme in line with the European Union’s AI Act and internal data policies to ensure proper usage of these technologies.

BBVA officials note that employees have already realized time savings of up to three hours per week since the introduction of generative AI tools, a milestone marking continued progress in their digital transformation efforts.