The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a real-time infrastructure that enables the secure, instant, and cost-effective flow of money across African borders. Developed in collaboration with Africa’s central banks, PAPSS provides a unified payment and settlement service for commercial banks, payment service providers, and fintechs, reducing cross-border payment risks and supporting regional financial integration.
PAPSS is designed to power a wide range of transactions — from retail purchases and salary payments to high-value corporate and investment dealings. By streamlining settlement processes and eliminating the need for multiple currency conversions, PAPSS plays a critical role in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives and supporting increased trade volumes across the continent.
Core Products and Capabilities:
Real-Time Cross-Border Payments
Instant, secure, and interoperable transactions between African countries.
Central Bank Integration
Direct collaboration with central banks to ensure compliance, stability, and financial oversight.
Participant Network
Connectivity for commercial banks, payment service providers, and fintechs as part of a continent-wide payment ecosystem.
Multi-Transaction Capability
Supports everyday retail payments, business-to-business transfers, payroll, securities trading, and large-scale settlements.
Cost-Effective Settlement
Minimizes costs associated with currency conversions and intermediary processing.
AfCFTA-Ready Infrastructure
Purpose-built to handle growing payment volumes under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
