Rwanda has officially launched eKash, its national instant payment system, enabling seamless real-time transfers between bank accounts and mobile wallets through a single interoperable network.

The platform went live on 14 July 2026, allowing users to send money instantly without registering for a new service. Transaction fees are capped at RWF 20 (approximately US$0.01) regardless of the transfer amount, with users able to send up to RWF 10 million (around US$6,800) per transaction.

One Platform for Banks and Mobile Money

eKash is designed to simplify digital payments by enabling transfers between banks and mobile money providers through a unified payment infrastructure.

Customers can continue using their existing banking apps, USSD codes and mobile money wallets, eliminating the need to download a separate application or create a new account.

The interoperable platform supports transfers between bank accounts, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, making digital payments faster, simpler and more affordable.

Driving Affordable Digital Payments

The rollout follows months of preparation led by the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) and RSwitch, the country's national payment switch.

Ahead of the launch, local financial institutions, including Bank of Kigali, notified customers of the migration to the new platform.

Under the new pricing model, transfer fees that previously reached RWF 5,000 (about US$3.40) have been reduced to a flat RWF 20, significantly lowering the cost of digital transactions for individuals and businesses.

Supporting Rwanda's Digital Economy

The launch forms part of Rwanda's broader digital economy strategy aimed at improving financial inclusion and reducing reliance on cash.

By connecting banks and mobile money providers through a single interoperable system, the government hopes to encourage wider adoption of electronic payments while improving the efficiency of everyday financial transactions.

Rwanda joins countries including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and Egypt, which have introduced national instant payment systems to modernise payment infrastructure and expand access to digital financial services across their economies.