Standard Bank Connect is stepping up its push into South Africa’s telecommunications market with the launch of an eSIM service aimed at meeting changing customer needs.

The move comes as more consumers adopt multiple SIM cards to manage costs, improve network coverage and keep work and personal communications separate.

Standard Bank’s mobile business, which was rebranded from Standard Bank Mobile in 2024, said it now serves 350,000 customers and continues to record steady year-on-year growth.

The lender believes the shift toward digital connectivity presents an opportunity to broaden its reach beyond traditional banking services.

As smartphone users increasingly seek convenience and flexibility, the bank expects eSIM adoption to become a more significant part of its mobile business over the coming years.

Growing demand for digital connectivity

Standard Bank Connect said industry estimates show that most mobile users in South Africa actively use more than one SIM card.

The trend has encouraged the company to introduce eSIM technology as part of its expansion plans.

“The continued shift toward multi-SIM usage underpins our expansion into eSIM,” the company said. “Our ambition is to see eSIM become a meaningful share of our customer base by the end of 2026.”

What eSIM means for customers

An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into compatible smartphones and connected devices.

Unlike traditional SIM cards, it allows users to activate mobile services without inserting a physical card.

The technology also enables customers to store multiple profiles on one device, making it easier to switch between numbers, networks or service plans while reducing the need for additional hardware.

More options expected

Standard Bank Connect said the eSIM service is currently available on its existing mobile plans.

The company added that prepaid eSIM options are expected to be introduced in the future, giving customers additional choices as demand for digital and mobile-first services continues to grow.

The launch highlights how financial institutions are increasingly expanding into adjacent services as they seek to strengthen customer relationships and build broader digital ecosystems.