Ethiopia launched its National Digital Payment Strategy (NDPS 2026–2030) in December 2025. It also rolled out EthioPay, its new Instant Payment System (IPS).

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said the move will help Ethiopia tap into the AfCFTA market. That market has 1.4 billion people and a $3.4 trillion GDP.

The plan was unveiled at the Second Ethiopia Digital Payment Conference in Addis Ababa. It aims to enable low-value cross-border payments. It also seeks to expand digital payment use across the country.

Other goals include upgrading financial infrastructure. It also wants to reduce barriers for underserved groups—especially women, youth, and small farmers.

EthioPay is the strategy’s core. It will support person-to-person transfers, QR payments, bulk payouts, and cross-border transactions. The system is designed to be secure and interoperable.

Mene called it a step toward payment sovereignty. He noted Africa loses over $5 billion a year on currency conversion for intra-African trade.

“There should be no reason for Africa to rely on third currencies,” he said. EthioPay can help informal traders and SMEs join regional commerce.

The system promotes interoperability across banks, mobile wallets, and cards. Users will be able to transact seamlessly—no matter their provider.

It could also cut transaction costs and speed up settlements. These gains support AfCFTA’s goal of a digitally connected Africa.

In short, the EthioPay Ethiopia digital payments launch is a major move toward inclusion, trade, and economic integration.

READ: Why Showing M-Pesa Messages Violates Kenyan Privacy Laws