27/03/2026
Driving Regional Integration Through Digital Finance
On 27th March 2026, the President of the Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM), Mr. Phillip Madinga, joined the Reserve Bank of Malawi and the COMESA Clearing House in hosting an awareness workshop on the Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPSS) and the Digital Retail Payments Platform (DRPP at the Reserve Bank Complex in Lilongwe.
In his keynote address, the BAM President highlighted the transformative potential of the Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPSS) and the Digital Retail Payments Platform (DRPP)—flagship initiatives of the COMESA Clearing House that are redefining cross-border trade. He stressed that these platforms are not simply technological innovations, but bridges to empowerment and regional integration. They stand as catalysts for building a Malawi that is competitive, inclusive, and prosperous.
Mr. Madinga urged stakeholders to move beyond dependence on finished imports and instead channel investment into industries that create jobs, expand exports, and strengthen Malawi’s role in the regional value chain.
Echoing this vision, the Deputy Governor responsible for operations, Dr. Kisu Simwaka, emphasized that regional initiatives dismantle barriers and open doors for millions who were previously excluded from trade. Their true value, he noted, lies in the trust, confidence, and understanding of the users who embrace them.
Mrs. Jedidah Ndebele, Executive Secretary of the COMESA Clearing House, reinforced the message by underscoring the institution’s commitment to driving financial innovation and deepening regional integration through REPSS and DRPP.
At BAM, we affirm that digital finance is more than technology—it is empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity. Together, we can position Malawi as a hub of regional trade and innovation.