Leading mobile money service provider Afrimoney on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, launched a new Next-of-Kin Service designed to make it easier for families and designated individuals to obtain information and address funds held in an Afrimoney account when a subscriber dies or becomes incapacitated.
The new service allows customers to nominate a next of kin whose details can be used to facilitate communication and information-sharing concerning the account. Afrimoney is urging subscribers to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) information and provide accurate next-of-kin details rather than leaving the section blank.
Speaking at the launch, Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Martison Obeng-Agyei, said the initiative was introduced in response to growing questions from customers and institutions about what happens to funds in a mobile money wallet when an account holder dies or is no longer able to manage the account.
However, he clarified that nominating a next of kin does not automatically give that person the right to withdraw, access, or inherit the funds.
According to him, appropriate documentation and verification must be completed before any funds can be released. In cases involving death, this may include a death certificate and evidence of the claimant’s relationship to the deceased. Where a subscriber is incapacitated, relevant medical documentation may also be required.
He further explained that where a will, estate administration or other legal processes apply, those procedures must be followed before funds can be released.
“The wallet is your cash. It is also almost like your bank account,” Mr. Obeng-Agyei said, stressing the importance of maintaining accurate customer information and designating someone who can be contacted when a subscriber becomes unavailable.
The CEO urged customers to ensure that their names, dates of birth, addresses and other identification details are correctly captured in the Afrimoney system. He also warned customers against allowing other people to register accounts in their names or providing inaccurate information.
Customers can update their details by dialing *161#, selecting Option 8 – My Account, and then Option 6 – Update Details. They can also visit Afrimoney points of sale for assistance.
Mr. Obeng-Agyei advised subscribers to nominate a person aged 18 or above as their next of kin and to update the information whenever their personal circumstances change.
He emphasized that the initiative was not prompted by any specific dispute or litigation involving Afrimoney, but rather by the need to improve the process and provide greater clarity and assurance to customers and their families.
The CEO also noted that dormant or unclaimed funds may, in accordance with existing regulatory requirements, eventually be transferred to the Central Bank after the prescribed period.
The Next-of-Kin Service is therefore intended to simplify and shorten the process of dealing with mobile money accounts following the death or incapacitation of a subscriber, while ensuring that all applicable legal and regulatory requirements are properly observed.
