Rwanda Officially Launches eKash to Transform Digital Payments Ecosystem
Rwanda has officially launched eKash, a new interoperable digital payment platform, in a high-level ceremony held today at the Kigali Convention Center, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward a fully inclusive digital economy. The event brought together government leaders, financial institutions, fintech companies, development partners and key players in the digital finance ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Robert Ochola, CEO of AfricaNenda, an Africa-based, African-led nonprofit working with central banks and payment ecosystem stakeholders to accelerate the design, development, launch, and improvement of inclusive instant payment systems described eKash as a transformative solution that will significantly reduce financial exclusion across Africa. He noted that more than 400 million Africans still rely entirely on cash, limiting their access to secure and affordable financial services. “Rwanda has once again proven that Africa can build world-class digital solutions for itself. eKash is not just a product; it is the foundation for financial inclusion, innovation in agriculture, health, MSMEs, and digital public services,” he said.
Dr. Ochola further highlighted that the platform was developed using 100% African engineering talent, calling it a historic achievement. “For the first time on the continent, we are launching a fully African-built national payment solution. This is proof that African talent is not only sufficient but powerful,” he added. He also shared that Rwanda’s success will be replicated across other African countries in the coming years.
On her part, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, emphasized the importance of interoperability in unlocking innovation for fintech companies and businesses. “As a fintech ecosystem, one of our biggest challenges has been connecting to the broader financial system. With eKash, transferring money across banks and mobile wallets becomes seamless, enabling us to reach more customers and provide more innovative financial services,” she said.
Paula Ingabire, The Minister of ICT and Innovation
The RSwitch team, which led the development of this national switch infrastructure, announced that they have achieved significant milestones so far. According to Mr. Gasabira Blaise, CEO of RSwitch: “eKash is an infrastructure built by RSwitch aimed at connecting and simplifying digital payments in the country. To date, 22 financial institutions have fully joined the platform, over 47 million transactions have been processed, more than 21 million users are registered, and transactions exceeding 203 billion Rwandan francs have been completed.”
The platform currently supports person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-business (P2B) payments, enabling users to transfer money instantly across networks without delays or hidden charges. Merchants can now accept payments from any wallet or bank using a single QR code, simplifying collections and improving cash flow management.
For ordinary citizens, eKash is already changing lives. Tresor Ngassa, one of the early users, said the platform has made digital payments easier and faster. “Before eKash, I had to ask which network someone was using before sending money. Now I just send directly without worrying about the service provider. It saves time and avoids unnecessary charges,” he said.
Another user, Bisangwa Redempta, shared how eKash has addressed the challenges she faced as a small business owner. “Before eKash, I struggled with multiple mobile money codes and paying high transaction fees. Sometimes customers would leave without paying because their wallet was not supported. Since I started using eKash, payments are instant, affordable, and I can receive money from anyone without complications,” she told this publication.
The CEO of Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), Jean Bosco Iyacu, described the launch as a turning point for Rwanda’s financial sector. “eKash represents the future of inclusive finance in Rwanda. It reduces the cost of transactions, expands access for small businesses, and strengthens trust in digital payments. We believe this platform will accelerate economic participation for millions of citizens,” he said.
Development partners including AfricaNenda, the Gates Foundation, Access to Finance Rwanda, GIZ, and the Mojaloop Foundation were recognized for their financial and technical support in making the project a success. Industry leaders also urged financial institutions that are not yet fully integrated to fast-track their onboarding.
As Rwanda pushes forward with its Vision 2050, stakeholders agree that eKash will play a crucial role in building a secure, affordable, and interoperable digital payment infrastructure. With government backing and strong private sector participation, the platform is expected to drive financial inclusion, support small businesses, and deepen Rwanda’s digital transformation.
From cash to convenience: eKash is transforming Rwanda’s payment landscape
All 22 institutions have fully migrated to eKash, with over 47 million transactions processed so far. – RSwitch CEO Blaise Gasabira
For the first time in Africa, we have a fully African-built national payment solution.’– Dr. Robert Ochola, AfricaNenda CEO
