In Nigeria, managing group funds for events like weddings, burials, and hospital bills can be a tedious task. Typically, an individual is tasked with matching bank alerts to names, a process that can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This responsibility often falls on the first son or a close family member, who must ensure accuracy to avoid disputes within the family. The task involves manually recording contributions in an exercise book, a method that has been used for generations.
The traditional method of record-keeping has limitations, especially when dealing with large groups or multiple contributors. With the advent of mobile banking, Nigeria's instant payment system has become one of the busiest in the world. However, the record-keeping process has not evolved at the same pace, often relying on exercise books or notes apps. This is where Sparkle's One Link comes in, a new feature on SparklePay designed to simplify group fundraising and provide a clear, accurate record of contributions.
Sparkle, a digital bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and founded by Uzoma Dozie, has developed One Link to address the challenges of group fundraising. With One Link, users can create a single link for a fundraising campaign, set a target and end date, and choose whether contributors give a fixed amount or whatever they can. The feature also allows contributors to give anonymously and provides a live list of who has contributed, which can be shared with the group.
One Link eliminates the need for manual record-keeping and reduces the risk of errors or disputes. Contributors can pay by transfer from their bank, through the Sparkle app, or by scanning a QR code. The feature also provides a clear record of contributions, which can be downloaded in one go once the campaign is over. This ensures that the organiser has an accurate account of who contributed and how much, eliminating the need for midnight phone calls to match alerts to names.
The importance of One Link lies in its ability to provide relief to those tasked with managing group funds. Uzoma Dozie notes that the idea for One Link was inspired by his own childhood experiences, where his mother would give money to guests as a gesture of appreciation. This cultural practice of giving and contributing to others is deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture, and One Link aims to make it easier for people to come together and contribute to a common cause.
Nigeria has a strong tradition of charity and giving, ranking fifth in the world in the Charities Aid Foundation's World Giving Index 2024 and seventh in the World Happiness Report 2025 for helping strangers. One Link leverages this cultural inclination towards giving, making it easier for people to contribute to group fundraising campaigns. By providing a simple, convenient, and accurate way to manage group funds, Sparkle aims to preserve and enhance this aspect of Nigerian culture.
The launch of One Link is a significant development in Nigeria's digital banking space, offering a solution to a common problem faced by many Nigerians. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, One Link has the potential to revolutionise group fundraising in Nigeria, making it easier for people to come together and contribute to a common cause. As the digital banking landscape continues to evolve, Sparkle's One Link is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of group fundraising in Nigeria.
Key points
- Sparkle's One Link simplifies group fundraising and record-keeping.
Reporting sources
- Sparkle one link · Business Day
