Africa’s digital payment landscape is set for fresh insights as the AfricaNenda Foundation, in partnership with the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE), the World Bank, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), prepares to unveil the State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2025 Report on November 13, 2025, in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini.
Now in its fourth edition, SIIPS has become Africa’s go-to benchmark for understanding how instant payments are driving inclusion, interoperability, and innovation across the continent. The report provides data-driven insights that guide policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders in shaping a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
The 2025 edition promises new analysis of Africa’s digital financial landscape, highlighting progress made and addressing persistent gaps that continue to limit access for women, youth, and rural communities.
“SIIPS 2025 demonstrates that Africa’s momentum toward inclusive instant payments is real and accelerating. Every new system that comes online and every improvement to an existing one brings us closer to a continent where affordable, seamless payments are accessible to everyone, regardless of geography or income. This year’s report is not only a reflection of progress, but also a call to action to close the inclusion gaps that still persist.” Sabine F. Mensah, Deputy CEO, AfricaNenda
This year’s SIIPS 2025 launch is sponsored by Mastercard, underscoring the role of private-sector partnerships in advancing inclusive instant payments. “Mastercard is proud to sponsor SIIPS 2025, advancing inclusive instant payments that unlock opportunity, drive innovation, and bring underserved communities into the digital economy,” said Helen Stoner, International Payments Leader at Mastercard.
Running from November 11 to 14, the SIIPS 2025 Week will include a media workshop, high-level discussions, and the official launch of the report. The event will bring together central banks, payment operators, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa to explore how inclusive instant payments can accelerate digital transformation and financial inclusion.
At the November 11 media workshop, journalists will get an exclusive first look at the report’s insights and have the chance to interact with leading voices from AfricaNenda, the Central Bank of Eswatini, and across Africa’s fast-evolving payments landscape.
Hosted by the Central Bank of Eswatini, the event reflects the Kingdom’s growing leadership in advancing regional financial inclusion and interoperability.
“We are honored to host the launch of SIIPS 2025 in Eswatini, a country that is actively advancing digital inclusion and interoperability. Partnerships such as this with AfricaNenda are key to unlocking the potential of instant payments to drive financial inclusion and economic transformation across Africa. The insights from SIIPS will help Eswatini chart a more inclusive digital future.” Dr. Phil Mnisi, Governor, Central Bank of Eswatini.
This year’s SIIPS 2025 Report will highlight landmark developments, including the first mature inclusive instant payment system on the continent and the emergence of new national platforms deepening digital access and innovation across Africa.
All journalists and stakeholders interested in financial inclusion are invited to attend the launch and participate in the media workshop. Full press materials and the SIIPS 2025 Report will be shared following the official release.
About AfricaNenda Foundation
AfricaNenda Foundation is an Africa-based, African-led non-profit working with central banks and payment ecosystem stakeholders to accelerate the design, development, launch, and improvement of inclusive instant payment systems. Our team of 24 experts in 13 countries provides technical expertise, builds capacity, shares knowledge, and advocates for inclusivity across the instant payment system project lifecycle. Through this work, we aim to help deliver the power of seamless and affordable digital payments to 260 million financially excluded Africans by 2030.
Visit our website: africanenda.org
About Central Bank of Eswatini
The Central Bank of Eswatini (Bank) was established in 1974. Its primary objective/mission is to foster price and financial stability that is conducive to the economic development of Eswatini. Over time, this has evolved to include fostering financial inclusion by ensuring that all individuals and businesses have financial access.
The Bank’s vision is “To be a centre of excellence and a central bank of reference that values its people.” Its mandate includes being the sole authority to issue the currency of Eswatini, sole custodian of public funds, maintenance of adequate external reserves, supervision of the operations of financial institutions, promoting monetary stability and a sound financial structure in Eswatini, and fostering financial conditions supportive of an orderly, balanced economic development of Eswatini.
The corporate identity of the Bank is governed by the following values: Relevant and performance driven, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Open Communication.