Key Findings
- 1A technical deep-dive into the three infrastructure layers that will power Africa's cross-border payment future.
Overview
Africa's cross-border payment infrastructure is undergoing the most significant transformation in its history. Three competing — and increasingly complementary — technology stacks are reshaping how money moves across African borders.
"The remaining adoption challenge is merchant and consumer reach — most current volume is interbank."
Layer 1: PAPSS — The Continental Backbone
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, launched by Afreximbank, is the most ambitious payment infrastructure project in African history. It enables instant, direct currency-to-currency settlement between any two African currencies — eliminating the absurd practice of converting naira to USD to buy Kenyan shillings.
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