Rwanda’s eKash digital payment system has handled more than 46 million transactions since its launch in 2022, with 99% of them completed successfully, RSwitch officials said Monday. The update came as the company prepares for the system’s official public showcase on Dec. 5.
RSwitch, the national switch that manages Rwanda’s digital payment infrastructure, said eKash was created to strengthen the country’s shift toward cashless payments following the COVID-19 pandemic. The health crisis exposed delays and risks tied to cash handling, prompting the government to fast-track digital solutions to support financial inclusion and efficiency.
Initially, eKash operated only through MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money. Over the past three years, it has expanded to include banks, SACCOs and microfinance institutions. The platform now connects 22 institutions, allowing users to pay directly from any of their linked accounts without first transferring or withdrawing money.
Jean Jacques Kajuga, RSwitch’s chief operating officer, said eKash has played a major role in modernizing financial services and solving long-standing payment challenges.
“We are promoting inclusive payments for everyone,” Kajuga said. “People can choose how they want to pay without having to cash out first, because all their accounts are connected to the system.”
Kajuga said RSwitch is increasing public awareness campaigns to help residents understand the platform and use it effectively. He noted that eKash has reduced common transfer failures that previously occurred when moving money between mobile wallets and bank accounts.
“If I send money and there’s an issue, eKash can immediately identify where the problem happened,” he said. “Customers no longer need to move back and forth between service providers trying to trace their funds.”
Under current rules, users can make payments of up to 2 million Rwandan francs per transaction, with a daily limit of 10 million francs.
Kajuga said the 22 institutions connected to eKash manage more than 21 million accounts. “If I have MoMo and two bank accounts, they all belong to me, and eKash recognizes them. That ensures no user is left behind,” he said.
Alida Providence, RSwitch’s head of compliance, said eKash is closely supervised by the National Bank of Rwanda to ensure strong data protection and cybersecurity. She said the system meets strict anti-fraud and anti-money-laundering standards.
RSwitch says early data indicate eKash will be a major driver of Rwanda’s Vision 2050 economic goals, as digital finance becomes increasingly central to the country’s growth.
The National Bank of Rwanda recently reported that its “Gendana Konti” initiative, which helps women—especially in rural communities—open mobile-based accounts, has reached more than 120,000 women. By 2028, the government expects all Rwandans to have access to digital financial services.
