Wema Bank Plc is marking the 9th anniversary of its flagship digital platform, ALAT by Wema, which is widely regarded as Africa’s first fully digital bank. The milestone highlights nearly a decade of transformation in a sector once dominated by physical branches, paperwork, and slow transaction processes.
Launched to address the frustrations of traditional banking — including long queues, limited accessibility, and delayed service delivery — ALAT introduced a new model where customers could open accounts, transfer funds, save, and manage their finances entirely through their mobile devices. Over time, it has expanded from a simple digital alternative into a broader financial ecosystem serving individuals, entrepreneurs, and a younger, tech-driven population.
Across nine years of operation, the platform has steadily evolved in both functionality and user experience. Features such as ALAT Goals, which helps customers structure and automate savings, alongside improved payment systems and financial inclusion tools, have reinforced its position as more than just a banking app. It has become a lifestyle-oriented financial platform designed to grow with its users.
To commemorate the anniversary, Wema Bank has rolled out the ALAT at 9 campaign, a month-long celebration designed to combine engagement, rewards, and interactive experiences. The initiative introduces customers to personalized insights through ALAT Wrapped, a feature that visually summarizes their banking activity over time and allows users to share their financial journey on social media.
The campaign also includes the 9 Features in 9 Days challenge, where users are encouraged to explore different features of the platform daily. Completing all nine activities unlocks rewards, while additional incentives are offered for completing the ninth transaction at precisely 9:00am or 9:00pm — a gamified twist aimed at boosting engagement.
Another highlight is the ALAT Evolution Jingle Challenge, which invites customers to creatively contribute to the brand’s identity by submitting a second verse to its jingle for a chance to win prizes.
Speaking on the milestone, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Moruf Oseni, described the anniversary as both reflective and forward-looking.
“ALAT at 9 is not just a celebration of time. It is a reflection of how far we have come and a clear indication of where we are going. Over the years, we have continued to evolve with our customers, building a platform that is not only functional but also engaging and rewarding. This campaign is designed to give back to our users while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer experience.”
Echoing this sentiment, Chief Digital Officer Olusegun Adeniyi said the initiative reflects a shift in how digital banking is experienced.
“With ALAT at 9, we are transforming routine banking into an interactive experience. By combining personalized insights, gamified missions, and real rewards, we are creating a platform that responds to users in a more dynamic and rewarding way. This reflects our vision to build a digital bank that is intuitive, adaptive, and centered around the customer.”
The anniversary campaign runs from May 2 to May 31, encouraging both new and existing users to participate via the ALAT mobile application. Existing customers are expected to update their app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, while new users can sign up within minutes to access the full suite of services and promotional benefits.
As ALAT enters its tenth year, Wema Bank is positioning the platform not only as a pioneer in Nigeria’s digital banking evolution but also as a continuously adapting ecosystem designed to reward engagement and redefine customer experience in the financial sector.