Rwanda and Tanzania move to link national payment systems, opening door to cheaper cross-border transfers

KIGALI, Rwanda — November 11, 2025 (Running Africa) - In a statement, the East African Community (EAC) confirmed that technical teams from both countries have begun meetings in Kigali to link the Tanzania Instant Payment System (TIPS) with RSwitch, Rwanda's national e-payment gateway. Once complete, the integration will enable secure, real-time, and low-cost transfers between bank accounts and mobile money wallets in both countries.

A Step Toward a Unified EAC Payment Ecosystem

Daniel Murenzi, the EAC's Principal Information Technology Officer, hailed the initiative as a milestone toward the bloc's long-term goal of a unified digital payments landscape.

"This integration brings us closer to a single EAC payment ecosystem."

Murenzi said, emphasizing the benefits of instant, interoperable transactions for citizens and businesses across the region.

Fabian Ladislaus Kasole, Assistant Manager for Oversight and Policy at the Bank of Tanzania's National Payments Directorate, said Tanzania is fully committed to the effort.

"As a region, we are building a strong technical and operational framework that will ensure the successful interlinking of our national retail payment systems."

Kasole noted, adding that the project will improve cross-border payment efficiency while advancing financial inclusion.

Proof of concept could serve as blueprint for regional integration

The collaboration between TIPS and RSwitch is part of a strategic Proof of Concept to test the technical and operational viability of direct cross-border payments within the EAC. If successful, it will provide a scalable model for similar payment system linkages across all EAC Partner States.

Such a breakthrough would lay the groundwork for deeper economic integration, easier digital transactions, and more seamless financial flows across East Africa — aligning with the EAC's broader ambitions for a connected regional digital economy.