Case Study - Enabling instant loan top-ups across WhatsApp, Web, and USSD
Encodev Labs built and launched a multi-channel loan origination platform for Letshego, enabling customers to access top-up loans seamlessly through WhatsApp, Web, and USSD during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Client
- Letshego Group
- Year
- Service
- Loan origination, Multi-channel UX, Middleware integration
Overview
As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional banking, Letshego needed a rapid solution to continue offering credit safely and remotely. Encodev Labs led the charge, designing and delivering a loan origination system that worked across WhatsApp, Web, and USSD channels.
At the core was a Ruby on Rails platform integrated with Letshego’s in-house loan top-up middleware and built with modular support for WhatsApp Business APIs, country-specific USSD gateways, and modern web interfaces. Customers could authenticate, apply, and finalize loans without visiting a branch—anytime, from anywhere.
The WhatsApp platform alone handled over $50,000 in daily loan disbursements in Botswana, with subsequent expansion into other African markets. USSD and Web options ensured inclusivity across all customer segments and device types.
This project became a model of digital innovation during crisis—offering accessibility, security, and operational continuity when it was most needed.
What we did
- WhatsApp Business API integration
- Loan top-up middleware integration
- USSD channel integration
- Responsive web interface
- OTP authentication
- Customer journey design
- Cross-channel continuity
The WhatsApp loan platform Encodev Labs built became a cornerstone of our COVID-era response. Fast, intuitive, and truly pan-African—it proved that smart, user-centered solutions can scale real impact quickly.
Head of IT, Letshego Group
- Daily disbursement volume
- $50K+
- Loan channels launched
- 3
- Countries rolled out
- Multiple
- Remote processing capability
- 100%