The two central banks in partnership with the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), announced a central bank-led initiative that builds and tests a framework on cross border that will be beneficial to the various public and private sector efforts at solving that challenge.
The Next-Gen Digital Public infrastructure (Next-Gen DPI) framework will play a crucial role in driving seamless cross-border trade, financial inclusion, and economic growth across the continent. Initiators of the project also invited the other central banks on the continent to join in development of the framework which is expected to be complementary to various public and private sector efforts aimed at cross-border interoperability across Africa.
While announcing the agreement at the Inclusive FinTech Forum, John Rwangombwa, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda said: ‘Africa is home to one of the most dynamic financial ecosystems, yet cross-border transactions remain costly and inefficient, limiting trade and financial inclusion. This project is designed to challenge this narrative by creating a system that facilitates instant, low-cost, and secure payments across African borders.
Africa’s Next-Gen DPI is an initiative of the Bank of Ghana and the National Bank of Rwanda with the support of the PAPSS and the GFTN. Further information on participation, feedback and general enquiries will be provided be provided on a website to be announced shortly.
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ANNEX
Speech
The full text of the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda’s speech announcing Africa’s NextGen Digital Public Infrastructure framework can be found here.
Photo
Photos of the signing of the framework can be found here.
About the partners
The National Bank of Rwanda: Established in 1964, the National Bank of Rwanda is Rwanda’s Central Bank mandated to ensure price stability and a sound financial system. Price stability is achieved by conducting appropriate monetary policy in the interest of a stable macroeconomic environment, while financial stability is achieved by regulating and supervising the financial system. The Bank’s role has however evolved to include financial inclusion, consumer protection and climate change.
The Bank of Ghana: Established in 1957, the Bank of Ghana’s functions include; promoting by monetary measure the stabilization of the value of the currency within and outside Ghana; instituting measures which are likely to have a favourable effect on the balance of payments, the state of public finances and the general development of the national economy; regulating, supervising and directing the banking and credit system and ensure the smooth operation of the financial sector; and promoting, regulating and supervising payment and settlement systems.
Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN): The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2024 to harness technology and foster innovation for more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial ecosystems through global partnerships. GFTN organises convening forums, offers advisory services on innovation ecosystems, provides access to transformative digital platforms, and invests in technology startups with the potential for growth and positive social impact through its venture fund.