The App builds on a strong foundation of infrastructure developments while leveraging shared global resources to deliver value to customers. The technological capability built up over the last two years lays a solid foundation of infrastructure, products and services taking one step further in the bank's digital journey in South Africa and the rest of Africa.

With this launch, Absa customers can enjoy the speed and convenience of simple, intuitive payments and effortless navigation with fewer clicks to perform their banking transactions.

Absa said the App would be the first real, local financial services App for smartphones and tablets in South Africa available for both retail and business customers.

"This means our App is optimised for smartphone and tablet screens and encompasses a visually rich interface," explains Arrie Rautenbach, Absa Head of Retail Banking.

The App provides access to a built-in video tutorial that will assist customers on a journey of learning. It is available for both individual and business customers and will permit multiple users in one household the ability to link into a single device or to have one user connect their profile to multiple devices.

"The new technology, which also integrates seamlessly with all other Absa digital banking channels incorporates many aspects of traditional transactional services, while combining smart device features such as your GPS location to allow for easy and instant search to the closest Absa branch or ATM," adds Rautenbach.

The App also utilises the device's contacts to make the sending of airtime or cash to friends and family quick and easy.

These and other unique features, such as the addition of an images library, are just some of the enhanced functionality features that customers can expect to see as new features and upgrades roll out every eight weeks.

Says Rautenbach: "The App gives users of smartphones and tablet devices easy access to their accounts in those 'in-between' moments when they have a moment before their train arrives or during the ad breaks."

It is currently available for Android and Apple devices with support for Blackberry devices expected to be released shortly.

The bank says the App is the latest in a series of new financial solutions Absa has developed that rewards customers for an extended relationship with the bank, following its Value Bundles and Potentiate offerings launched in 2012.

"We have continued to focus extensively on how we can make the lives of our customers easier, and the App is just one part of our customer centric solutions, not forgetting Absa Rewards that adds real value to customers, offering real cash back for debits and credits. The launch of our App simplifies our customer experience, while permitting us integrated digital presence in Africa that offers customers internet banking in 11 countries, mobile banking in 6 countries and a financial services App in 6 countries," concludes Rautenbach.