Kuda has launched instant digital accounts for NGOs and religious groups in Nigeria. This change removes a major roadblock in the non-profit sector: the lengthy, complex process of opening a bank account.
According to a review of the Kuda Business App Store version history, the feature specifically allowing “NGOs and Incorporated Trustees” to open accounts was first deployed in Version 1.707 on December 16, 2025. This feature was improved for stability in Version 1.708, released on January 8, 2026. This step-by-step rollout shows that Kuda is testing its compliance framework to meet the sector-specific rules.
For years, groups such as churches, mosques, alumni associations, and charity foundations faced difficulties with banking. Although they handle billions of Naira in donations and community support each year, traditional banks often treat them with caution and add layers of paperwork. Kuda’s recent change aims to simplify this process.
Unlike regular businesses, NGOs must prove their legitimacy. Historically, opening a bank account for an NGO required:
- Visiting the Bank: Trustees often had to visit a bank branch multiple times. This was tough if some trustees lived abroad.
- Getting SCUML Approval: NGOs needed a certificate from the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), which is difficult to obtain and time-consuming.
- Providing Documents: They had to submit physical documents like board resolutions, constitutions, and references.
Because of this, many small charities and local religious groups used personal savings accounts, risking compliance issues. Kuda’s new feature lets these organisations avoid going to the bank in person. They can now upload their CAC documents, passport photos, and ID numbers directly through Kuda’s app.
Kuda also offers tools designed for how these groups manage their funds:
- Sub-Accounts: A church can create separate digital accounts for things like the Building Fund, Welfare Account, and Staff Salaries, all under one main account.
- Tiered Access: The treasurer can receive “view-only” access, while the lead pastor or director retains “approval” rights.
Why This Matters Now
Kuda’s launch comes at a crucial time as Nigeria moves towards a cashless economy by 2025 and 2026. The Central Bank of Nigeria is pushing for less cash use, and religious groups and NGOs need to adapt by using POS terminals and accepting transfers.
But to get a corporate POS terminal, a corporate bank account is necessary. By making it easier to open accounts, Kuda positions itself as a key partner in digitising charity in Nigeria.
This is another win for tech in banking. For community leaders who have spent weeks dealing with bank managers, this change is simply a time-saver. Kuda shows that the non-profit sector can now access banking more easily. The real question is whether traditional banks will reduce paperwork or let these groups adopt digital solutions.
