Afrimoney has launched a new Next of Kin Service to enhance the security of funds held in customers' mobile money wallets. Unveiled on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at Africell's headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown, the service aims to help customers protect their financial assets. The initiative is designed to enable families to access key account information if a customer becomes deceased or incapacitated. The service is specifically developed to provide a structured approach for managing mobile money accounts in unforeseen circumstances, ensuring continuity and protection for customer assets.
Protecting Customer Assets
Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer Martison Obeng Agyei stated the initiative establishes a formal procedure for handling customers’ wallets when account holders are no longer able to manage them. He explained that an Afrimoney wallet functions similarly to a bank account and may contain significant funds. Obeng Agyei said, "The Next of Kin feature allows customers to nominate a person who can be contacted and provided with information about their Afrimoney wallet in circumstances where the account holder is no longer available." This feature is intended to assure customers that their families will be able to obtain necessary information and pursue the appropriate legal process to access any funds held in their wallets, in the event of death or incapacity. The launch forms part of Afrimoney’s broader efforts to strengthen customer protection and establish a transparent process for managing wallets when account holders become unavailable. The company emphasizes that this proactive measure is key for financial planning and peace of mind for its users.
Nominee Roles and Responsibilities
Registration as a next of kin does not automatically authorize the nominated individual to withdraw or receive money directly from another person’s wallet. When a wallet holder dies, Afrimoney will require appropriate legal documentation confirming an individual’s authority to administer the deceased customer’s estate before any funds can be released. The nominated next of kin may assist the family by obtaining relevant financial information and facilitating the legal process required to access funds held in the deceased person’s wallet. This process ensures that legal protocols are followed and that the rightful beneficiaries receive the funds.
Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer, Martison Obeng Agyei, stated that the Next of Kin feature allows customers to nominate a person who can be contacted and provided with information about their Afrimoney wallet in circumstances where the account holder is no longer available. Mr. Obeng Agyei also reminded customers that funds left unclaimed for a specified period may be subject to regulatory procedures governing their transfer. He further noted the importance of this service as a safeguard against the loss of funds due to unforeseen events, reinforcing Afrimoney's commitment to customer welfare.
Guidance for Nomination
Martison Obeng Agyei, Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer, urged customers to ensure that their personal information attached to accounts remains accurate and is regularly updated. This includes contact details and any changes in personal circumstances that might affect their account. Customers were also encouraged to periodically review their next of kin information and update it whenever personal or family circumstances change. This regular review helps maintain the effectiveness of the nomination and ensures that the chosen individual is still appropriate. Mr. Obeng Agyei cautioned customers against nominating children or individuals who may lack the legal capacity to participate in the administration of an estate. He recommended choosing a trusted person who is at least 18 years old and capable of taking part in the necessary legal procedures. The Next of Kin feature allows customers to nominate a person who can be contacted and provided with information about their Afrimoney wallet in circumstances where the account holder is no longer available, according to Obeng Agyei. This strategic nomination is key to the successful execution of the service's purpose.