A smiling woman stands outdoors at dusk, looking at her smartphone. City lights and blurred car headlights are visible in the background. Blue and pink light streaks cross the image, suggesting technology or digital connection.

COURE: Industry demand for fraud prevention Network APIs in African financial services

Financial institutions are calling on mobile operators to commercially expose fraud prevention Network APIs to enable real-time risk assessment, proactive fraud detection and stronger customer protection across Africa.

About enterprise API demands

African financial institutions and digital businesses are looking to mobile operators to unlock trusted, real-time network intelligence that can help address the growing challenge of telecom-enabled fraud.

Crucially, this is not simply future demand. COURE Software and Systems is actively seeking Network API enablement across priority African markets to integrate telecom and device intelligence into its All Number Query (ANQ) fraud-prevention platform and support financial institutions, fintechs, payment providers and digital businesses.

The demand spans 21 priority African markets, creating an opportunity for MNOs to turn existing network intelligence into scalable fraud-prevention services while helping financial organisations move from reactive fraud detection to proactive risk management.

Problem

A red outline of a padlock is centered within a circle, surrounded by eight connected nodes, symbolizing online security, protection, or network safety on a light gray background.

Financial institutions need real-time telecom intelligence to identify SIM swaps, recycled numbers and device changes before fraud occurs.

Solution

A red line drawing of a lightbulb with circuit-like lines inside, symbolizing technology or innovation. Two sparkles appear on either side of the bulb, and short lines radiate from its top, suggesting brightness or creativity. The background is light gray.

GSMA Open Gateway Network APIs can expose trusted network signals through secure, standardised interfaces for integration into existing fraud systems.

API service

Red line drawing of a laptop with an outline of a person on the screen, three horizontal lines next to them, and a speech bubble with three dots above their head, symbolizing online communication or a virtual meeting.

Number Verification, Number Recycle, Device Swap, SIM Swap, KYC Customer Match and Scam Signal APIs enabling real-time fraud risk assessment and earlier intervention.

Impact

A simple red line drawing of a rocket ship with three fins and a circular window, angled upward to the right. The rocket emits lines and dots from its base, representing thrust, on a plain light gray background.

Earlier fraud prevention, reduced financial losses and stronger customer trust while creating scalable enterprise revenue opportunities for MNOs.

More information

What is the COURE market demand statement?

COURE is calling on mobile operators to expose fraud-prevention Network APIs across priority African markets, enabling financial institutions and digital businesses to access real-time telecom and device intelligence through its ANQ platform.

Why should mobile operators act now?

Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in mobile identity and authentication. SIM swap fraud alone accounts for approximately 43% of mobile money fraud in Africa, while telecom-related fraud is estimated to cost South Africa more than R5.3 billion annually.

COURE is seeking to begin pilot programmes and technical validation within 3–6 months, followed by production deployment across priority markets within 12–24 months.

How does GSMA Fusion help?

GSMA Fusion and Open Gateway provide a standardised framework for connecting established enterprise demand with mobile operators and enabling network capabilities through interoperable APIs.

For COURE, this provides a pathway to work with operators across multiple African markets and establish scalable models for delivering trusted network intelligence to financial institutions and digital businesses.

Market snapshot

21 priority African markets have been identified for initial Network API enablement, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Egypt.

43% of mobile money fraud in Africa is estimated to involve SIM swap attacks, highlighting the importance of telecom intelligence in fraud prevention.

Up to 60% of mobile banking fraud in some markets is linked to SIM swap attacks.

R5.3bn+ is estimated to be lost annually in South Africa alone through telecom-related fraud, including SIM swap and impersonation.

The image shows the word “COURE” in bold, black, uppercase letters. The “C” has a red outline that extends underlining the entire word. The background is white, creating a clean, modern look.

Partners

This initiative is supported by:

Download the full Statement of Requirements

COURE Statement of Requirements