Zapp is a conversational payments app on Telegram built on the Celo blockchain. Users can send CELO and USDC, split bills, and manage esusu savings circles simply by chatting with a bot — no app install, no complex wallet setup required.
To make decentralized payments as easy as sending a text message, starting with Africa — where the need for accessible, low-cost financial infrastructure is greatest.
Over 400 million Africans remain unbanked or underbanked, yet most own a smartphone with messaging apps. Existing crypto payment solutions require technical knowledge, app downloads, and complex wallet management — creating barriers that prevent everyday users from accessing decentralized finance. Traditional group savings methods like esusu and ajo are also still managed manually with spreadsheets or cash, making them inefficient and prone to fraud.
Zapp removes all friction by bringing payments directly into Telegram — the messaging app millions already use daily. Users simply chat to send money, split bills, or manage savings circles. Zapp handles wallet creation automatically, uses Self Protocol for fraud-proof identity verification, and settles all transactions on the Celo blockchain. No app download, no seed phrases to memorize, no technical knowledge required — just send a message and money moves.
Features
Available Now
Send payments — Send CELO or USDC to any Telegram user or wallet address
Split bills — Split expenses equally or with custom amounts
Esusu circles — Create and manage group savings circles on-chain
Auto wallet creation — New users get a Celo wallet instantly on /start
Identity verification — Fraud-proof KYC via Self Protocol passport verification
Receipts — PNG and PDF receipts after every transaction
Faucet — Built-in USDC testnet faucet for new users
Coming Soon
Multi-token support — cKES, cNGN, cGHS, cUSD, USDT and more
On-ramp — Fund your wallet with Naira, Cedis, Shillings, or mobile money (M-Pesa, MTN MoMo) directly in Telegram
Off-ramp — Cash out to local bank account or mobile money wallet from the chat
Multi-chain — Expand beyond Celo to other EVM chains
B2B API — Let other apps embed Zapp's payment rails
Zapp earns revenue through small transaction fees on payments and bill splits processed through the platform. Future revenue streams include premium features for esusu circle management, B2B API access for businesses to embed conversational payments into their own Telegram bots, and a percentage of yield generated from pooled savings circle funds.
Want to raise from VCs
Africa , with global reach via Telegram
$0 — bootstrapped. This is our first grant application.
