Bank Windhoek has launched its WhatsApp Banking platform, the first for the financial sector in Namibia.

"It is a bold step in our journey to reimagine banking by placing it exactly where our customers communicate and connect every day," said James Chapman, Bank Windhoek MD.

Bank Windhoek became the first bank in Namibia to introduce cellphone banking in 2006, at a time when digital banking was still in its infancy.

"Today, nearly two decades later, we once again take a leadership position by becoming the first bank in Namibia to launch WhatsApp Banking," said Chapman.

Globally, WhatsApp has become one of the most influential digital platforms, connecting billions of people and transforming how individuals communicate, seek services and engage with businesses. Increasingly, it is also becoming a platform for commerce and payments.

Namibia reflects this same shift as mobile penetration remains high, digital engagement continues to grow, and social and messaging platforms are now central to how people communicate and access information.