Google Cloud has partnered with Ecobank to enhance the bank’s infrastructure, integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI), and improve financial services across 33 African countries.

This collaboration is designed to facilitate cross-border payments, introduce innovative digital products, and bolster support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Ecobank will leverage Google Cloud technologies such as BigQuery and Apigee to strengthen its API infrastructure and deliver data-driven financial solutions. Ecobank officials emphasize that the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, product personalization for individuals and businesses, all while ensuring robust data privacy and security.

Both organizations also plan to streamline money transfers, offer more accessible payment platforms, and assist fintech developers in integrating with Ecobank’s systems. Additionally, Google Cloud’s Professional Services team will support the technical implementation of planned services.

BBVA Expands Collaboration with Google Cloud

Parallel to this agreement, BBVA is enhancing its partnership with Google Cloud by deploying Google Workspace with Gemini across its global operations. This move aligns with BBVA’s broader AI integration strategies.

More than 100,000 BBVA employees will use Google’s Gemini AI and the NotebookLM assistant post-training on responsible AI usage. A mandatory training programme has been introduced to comply with the European Union’s AI Act and internal data policies at BBVA.

BBVA reports that its staff have already experienced time savings of up to three hours per week since the introduction of generative AI tools. Since 2011, BBVA has been collaborating with Google Cloud, viewing this expansion as a key step in its ongoing digital transformation.