UEMOA Set to Launch Interoperable Instant Payment Platform Across West Africa

Dakar, August 1, 2025 – The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) is preparing to launch a major innovation in the region’s financial landscape with the upcoming rollout of the Interoperable Platform for Instant Payment System (PI‑SPI) on September 30, 2025.

Since June 5, 2025, a pilot phase has been underway to test the platform in real conditions. Selected clients of participating banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile money operators have been conducting instant interoperable transactions, such as fund transfers and payments, regardless of the account type used.

This real-world testing is designed to assess the system’s reliability, security, and fluidity before its official launch.

Game-Changing Interoperability

One of PI‑SPI’s most transformative features is full interoperability across different financial services: bank account holders can instantly send money to mobile money or microfinance users—and vice versa—anywhere within the eight UEMOA member countries.

The BCEAO emphasizes that this initiative aims to lower transaction costs, reduce transfer times, and significantly boost financial inclusion across the region.

Strong Participation from Key Financial Institutions

A total of 86 banks, 70 decentralized financial systems (SFDs), 10 electronic money issuers (EMEs), and 6 fintechs are taking part in this second pilot phase across UEMOA.

Notable participants include:

·        Côte d’Ivoire : BNI, SIB, Société Générale, Orange Bank, Baobab, COFINA, and others

·        Senegal: CBAO, BDK, UM-ACEP, Touchpoint Financial Services, etc.

·        Burkina Faso: Coris Bank, BOA, Orange Money, and more

·        Mali, Benin, Togo, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau also have strong representation

A Bold Step Toward Inclusive Finance

Through this initiative, BCEAO reaffirms its commitment to leveraging innovation to support financial inclusion. The interoperable platform is expected to modernize the payment infrastructure in West Africa, making it more accessible, secure, and efficient.

"This platform marks a milestone in the region’s financial integration. It reflects BCEAO’s commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem," said a source close to the project.

The outcomes of this pilot phase will help determine the conditions for the full-scale deployment of the platform by late September.