Ethiopia unveils national strategy to accelerate shift to digital payments

Ethiopia has launched its National Digital Payment Strategy (2026–2030) alongside a new instant payments platform, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing digital transformation. This is reported by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The strategy outlines a five-year roadmap designed to scale up interoperability, strengthen public trust, and foster innovation across Ethiopia’s digital financial landscape. It prioritises the expansion of digital payment adoption, the modernisation of financial infrastructure and the reduction of barriers faced by underserved communities, including rural populations.

A newly introduced instant payments system will form the core infrastructure for rapid and secure transactions, enabling person-to-person transfers, QR-based payments, bulk disbursements and low-value cross-border operations through cards, mobile wallets and digital banking channels.

Senior government officials emphasised broad national commitment to a cash-lite, inclusive economy. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated that technological progress is central to advancing economic development and improving living standards. Ethiopia, he noted, has already made measurable progress in expanding digital financial access and has laid the foundations of a modern digital economy.

Building on the earlier Digital Ethiopia 2025 agenda, the country has now embarked on the Digital Ethiopia 2030 initiative, which seeks to deepen transformation across governance, public services and economic activity. Temesgen stressed that millions of Ethiopians are already engaging with the digital economy, supported by significant public investment in foundational digital infrastructure.

National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign underscored the rapid growth of digital transactions in Ethiopia and across Africa, noting that demand for financial services is rising in step with technological advancement. Investments in national payment infrastructure are improving efficiency and security while strengthening Ethiopia’s reputation as an emerging digital market.

The strategy also envisions the creation of a National Data Exchange to improve information flows and broaden access to essential services, as reported by the source.

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