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Facebook-owned WhatsApp is said to be integrating a Unified Payment Interface (UPI) that will enable users make payments on the platform.
Several popular messaging services including WeChat and Hike Messenger already support payment services. However, WhatsApp, which is the most popular messaging app in Nigeria, has been known to take its time, and include features only when they are polished.
The messaging app is expected to roll out the payments feature by the end of the year, a person familiar with the matter said.
The person said the feature will first be available in India before it will launch in other spheres.
WhatsApp is in advanced talks with banks and lobby organisation NPCI to add support for UPI-based payments on its app in India, the person said requesting anonymity.
Because of several moving pieces that are involved in the talks and implementation in India, the rollout of the UPI on WhatsApp could see a slight delay, the person said, but added that so far the things are chugging along smoothly.
When this finally rolls out in Nigeria, sending money to friends and families would become way easy.