Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System

Temitope Folasade Sholanke; Opeoluwa Kolapo; Iyabo Olukemi Awoyelu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System

Temitope Folasade Sholanke^*

, Opeoluwa Kolapo

, Iyabo Olukemi Awoyelu

Published in American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 31 March 2026 Accepted: 11 April 2026 Published: 23 April 2026

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Recently, electronic wallets have emerged as a primary catalyst in driving the growth of cashless and electronic payment systems. Electronic wallets contribute to financial inclusion by providing banking services to unbanked populations and enabling easier access to financial tools without the need for physical bank branches, thereby enhancing the global shift toward cashless societies. This work designed, implemented, and evaluated a Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based electronic wallet system aimed at promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. The system was designed using Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools and implemented with Python, Django, PostgreSQL, and Africa’s talking. A user-centered approach was adopted, emphasizing simplicity, easy navigation, and language accessibility, with support for English and Yoruba to ensure inclusivity. Key usability testing metrics, including task completion rates, error rates, and user satisfaction, were employed to evaluate the system's effectiveness. Results indicated an 80% task completion rate, a 20% error rate, and a high user satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. These findings highlight the system’s capability to bridge the digital divide by providing essential financial services with no or less internet access. The USSD-based electronic wallet facilitates account creation, fund transfers, receiving payments, multilingual support and airtime purchases, making it accessible via feature phones. This study underscores the potential of USSD technology to support underserved populations, advancing financial inclusion for individuals who may lack access to smartphones or stable internet connectivity. The implementation of such a system represents a crucial step towards achieving seamless, secure financial transactions in Nigeria, ultimately fostering greater economic empowerment among marginalized communities.

Published in	American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12
Page(s)	8-17
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Wallet, Electronic Wallet, USSD, Internet, Financial Inclusion, Multi-lingual

References

[1]	Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA). (2023). Access to Financial Services in Nigeria Survey 2023 (A2F): Unlocking Insights to Accelerate Financial and Economic Inclusion. Lagos, Nigeria. https://a2f.ng/efina-releases-a2f-2023-dataset/
[2]	Adewusi, O., Msagusa, W. S., Imanirumva, J. P., Obadofin, O., & Ndibwile, J. D. (2025). Hybrid USSD-based authentication for inclusive e-government mobile money services. https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.20592
[3]	Mwale, M., & Banda, D. (2025). From disconnection to inclusion: Advancing financial services in Zambia through USSD technology. International Journal of Social Sciences, Humanities & Management Research, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2025.v4i1n11
[4]	Aker, J. C., & Wilson, K. (2023). Mobile money and financial inclusion: The role of mobile technology in expanding access to financial services in developing economies. Information Technologies & International Development, 19, 1–16.
[5]	Ruslim, T. S., Herwindiati, D. E., & Cokki. (2024). Adoption of e-wallet in the post-pandemic era: A study on Generation X’s intention to use e-wallet. Innovative Marketing, 20(2), 267–280. https://doi.org/10.21511/im.20(2).2024.22
[6]	Ujjawal, N., & Sharma, S. (2024). Adoption of mobile wallets by tourists for digital payments in India: An investigation of behavioural intention and the moderating impact of digital innovativeness. International Journal of Global Management Perspectives, 1(1), 6–21. Retrieved from https://qtanalytics.in/journals/index.php/IJGMP/article/view/4617
[7]	Tijjani, M., Besar, B. N., & Al-Shaghdari, F. M. O. (2022). Financial exclusion in Northern Nigeria: A lesson from developed countries. AFEBI Islamic Finance and Economic Review, 7(01), 45. https://doi.org/10.47312/aifer.v7i01.565
[8]	Amer, H., Anaan, G., Yousef, I., & Yousef, A. (2023). The efficiency and effectiveness of e-wallet systems in e-commerce platforms. Journal of Survey in Fisheries Sciences, 10(2S), pp. 2634–2644.
[9]	Anunobi S. (2024). Mitigating security vulnerabilities in offline USSD payments in non-smartphones: Enhancing user privacy. (Master’s thesis, Staffordshire University).
[10]	Haoyang, Z., Zhuoyi, H., Rui, L., & Yanfei, X. (2022). A blockchain-based digital wallet application with HoneyBadger-BFT consensus algorithm. pp. 3 - 8. Stanford Secure Computer Systems Group.
[11]	Bongani, C., & Venkata, K. R. (2023). Implementation of a mobile application that runs on USSD codes for mobile payment in network-constrained environments. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, pp. 3–8. https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2309063.pdf
[12]	Patrick, M. (2023). Implementation of a service-oriented architecture for an e-wallet system for cashless transactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pp. 1 - 17. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2308.00689
[13]	Ogbonlaiye, J. B., Kwanashie, M., & Olushola, O. (2025). Effect of financial inclusion on economic growth in Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(12), 3238–3257. https://doi/10.47772/ijriss.2024.8120268
[14]	Africa’s Talking. (2025). USSD and payments APIs for mobile financial services (Product documentation). Retrieved from https://africastalking.com/ussd

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Sholanke, T. F., Kolapo, O., Awoyelu, I. O. (2026). Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System. American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 11(1), 8-17. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Sholanke, T. F.; Kolapo, O.; Awoyelu, I. O. Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System. Am. J. Data Min. Knowl. Discov. 2026, 11(1), 8-17. doi: 10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Sholanke TF, Kolapo O, Awoyelu IO. Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System. Am J Data Min Knowl Discov. 2026;11(1):8-17. doi: 10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12,
  author = {Temitope Folasade Sholanke and Opeoluwa Kolapo and Iyabo Olukemi Awoyelu},
  title = {Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System},
  journal = {American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {8-17},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajdmkd.20261101.12},
  abstract = {Recently, electronic wallets have emerged as a primary catalyst in driving the growth of cashless and electronic payment systems. Electronic wallets contribute to financial inclusion by providing banking services to unbanked populations and enabling easier access to financial tools without the need for physical bank branches, thereby enhancing the global shift toward cashless societies. This work designed, implemented, and evaluated a Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based electronic wallet system aimed at promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. The system was designed using Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools and implemented with Python, Django, PostgreSQL, and Africa’s talking. A user-centered approach was adopted, emphasizing simplicity, easy navigation, and language accessibility, with support for English and Yoruba to ensure inclusivity. Key usability testing metrics, including task completion rates, error rates, and user satisfaction, were employed to evaluate the system's effectiveness. Results indicated an 80% task completion rate, a 20% error rate, and a high user satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. These findings highlight the system’s capability to bridge the digital divide by providing essential financial services with no or less internet access. The USSD-based electronic wallet facilitates account creation, fund transfers, receiving payments, multilingual support and airtime purchases, making it accessible via feature phones. This study underscores the potential of USSD technology to support underserved populations, advancing financial inclusion for individuals who may lack access to smartphones or stable internet connectivity. The implementation of such a system represents a crucial step towards achieving seamless, secure financial transactions in Nigeria, ultimately fostering greater economic empowerment among marginalized communities.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System
AU  - Temitope Folasade Sholanke
AU  - Opeoluwa Kolapo
AU  - Iyabo Olukemi Awoyelu
Y1  - 2026/04/23
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12
T2  - American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
JF  - American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
JO  - American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
SP  - 8
EP  - 17
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-7837
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12
AB  - Recently, electronic wallets have emerged as a primary catalyst in driving the growth of cashless and electronic payment systems. Electronic wallets contribute to financial inclusion by providing banking services to unbanked populations and enabling easier access to financial tools without the need for physical bank branches, thereby enhancing the global shift toward cashless societies. This work designed, implemented, and evaluated a Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based electronic wallet system aimed at promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. The system was designed using Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools and implemented with Python, Django, PostgreSQL, and Africa’s talking. A user-centered approach was adopted, emphasizing simplicity, easy navigation, and language accessibility, with support for English and Yoruba to ensure inclusivity. Key usability testing metrics, including task completion rates, error rates, and user satisfaction, were employed to evaluate the system's effectiveness. Results indicated an 80% task completion rate, a 20% error rate, and a high user satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. These findings highlight the system’s capability to bridge the digital divide by providing essential financial services with no or less internet access. The USSD-based electronic wallet facilitates account creation, fund transfers, receiving payments, multilingual support and airtime purchases, making it accessible via feature phones. This study underscores the potential of USSD technology to support underserved populations, advancing financial inclusion for individuals who may lack access to smartphones or stable internet connectivity. The implementation of such a system represents a crucial step towards achieving seamless, secure financial transactions in Nigeria, ultimately fostering greater economic empowerment among marginalized communities.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Temitope Folasade Sholanke

Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3904-9015
Opeoluwa Kolapo

Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-5102-2244
Iyabo Olukemi Awoyelu

Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3523-6753

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Sholanke, T. F., Kolapo, O., Awoyelu, I. O. (2026). Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System. American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 11(1), 8-17. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Sholanke, T. F.; Kolapo, O.; Awoyelu, I. O. Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System. Am. J. Data Min. Knowl. Discov. 2026, 11(1), 8-17. doi: 10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Sholanke TF, Kolapo O, Awoyelu IO. Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System. Am J Data Min Knowl Discov. 2026;11(1):8-17. doi: 10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12,
  author = {Temitope Folasade Sholanke and Opeoluwa Kolapo and Iyabo Olukemi Awoyelu},
  title = {Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System},
  journal = {American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {8-17},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajdmkd.20261101.12},
  abstract = {Recently, electronic wallets have emerged as a primary catalyst in driving the growth of cashless and electronic payment systems. Electronic wallets contribute to financial inclusion by providing banking services to unbanked populations and enabling easier access to financial tools without the need for physical bank branches, thereby enhancing the global shift toward cashless societies. This work designed, implemented, and evaluated a Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based electronic wallet system aimed at promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. The system was designed using Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools and implemented with Python, Django, PostgreSQL, and Africa’s talking. A user-centered approach was adopted, emphasizing simplicity, easy navigation, and language accessibility, with support for English and Yoruba to ensure inclusivity. Key usability testing metrics, including task completion rates, error rates, and user satisfaction, were employed to evaluate the system's effectiveness. Results indicated an 80% task completion rate, a 20% error rate, and a high user satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. These findings highlight the system’s capability to bridge the digital divide by providing essential financial services with no or less internet access. The USSD-based electronic wallet facilitates account creation, fund transfers, receiving payments, multilingual support and airtime purchases, making it accessible via feature phones. This study underscores the potential of USSD technology to support underserved populations, advancing financial inclusion for individuals who may lack access to smartphones or stable internet connectivity. The implementation of such a system represents a crucial step towards achieving seamless, secure financial transactions in Nigeria, ultimately fostering greater economic empowerment among marginalized communities.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Development of a USSD-based Electronic Wallet System
AU  - Temitope Folasade Sholanke
AU  - Opeoluwa Kolapo
AU  - Iyabo Olukemi Awoyelu
Y1  - 2026/04/23
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12
T2  - American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
JF  - American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
JO  - American Journal of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
SP  - 8
EP  - 17
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-7837
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajdmkd.20261101.12
AB  - Recently, electronic wallets have emerged as a primary catalyst in driving the growth of cashless and electronic payment systems. Electronic wallets contribute to financial inclusion by providing banking services to unbanked populations and enabling easier access to financial tools without the need for physical bank branches, thereby enhancing the global shift toward cashless societies. This work designed, implemented, and evaluated a Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based electronic wallet system aimed at promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. The system was designed using Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools and implemented with Python, Django, PostgreSQL, and Africa’s talking. A user-centered approach was adopted, emphasizing simplicity, easy navigation, and language accessibility, with support for English and Yoruba to ensure inclusivity. Key usability testing metrics, including task completion rates, error rates, and user satisfaction, were employed to evaluate the system's effectiveness. Results indicated an 80% task completion rate, a 20% error rate, and a high user satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. These findings highlight the system’s capability to bridge the digital divide by providing essential financial services with no or less internet access. The USSD-based electronic wallet facilitates account creation, fund transfers, receiving payments, multilingual support and airtime purchases, making it accessible via feature phones. This study underscores the potential of USSD technology to support underserved populations, advancing financial inclusion for individuals who may lack access to smartphones or stable internet connectivity. The implementation of such a system represents a crucial step towards achieving seamless, secure financial transactions in Nigeria, ultimately fostering greater economic empowerment among marginalized communities.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download