SADC Banking Association

20/10/2026

Building Inclusive Payment Infrastructure: Access, Competition, and AdoptionLive from the SARB Payments Conference 2026!

An insightful panel session today dove deep into what it truly takes to build inclusive payment systems that reach every corner of society.

Moderated by industry leaders and featuring perspectives from global, regional, and domestic experts, the discussion focused on three vital pillars: Access, Competition, and Adoption.Key highlights from the panel:

Lessons from Colombia’s Instant Payments RevolutionAna María Prieto (Head of Payment Systems, Banco de la República - Colombia) shared incredible insights into Colombia’s instant payment system (Bre-B). By establishing a central, interoperable infrastructure with unified branding and standard request-to-pay rails, Colombia is making instant payments low-cost, secure, and accessible for everyone — especially small merchants and underserved communities.

Global Standards & Public-Private SynergyHarish Natarajan (World Bank) highlighted how central banks and international bodies must align policy with infrastructure to ensure open access and prevent market fragmentation.

Driving Regional Interoperability & Fair Competition Insights from Pradeep Maharaj, Chris Hamilton, and Brendan Pearce emphasized that instant payment schemes are only as effective as their adoption. Creating a level playing field for non-bank fintechs and commercial banks alike is crucial to driving down costs and encouraging everyday use.

The Big Takeaway: Instant payments aren't just a tech upgrade — they are a catalyst for economic empowerment, closing the financial inclusion gap, and ensuring that no one gets left behind in the digital economy!

What features or improvements do you want to see most in instant payment systems in your region? Let us know in the comments below!

02/10/2026

29/07/2026

Um passo decisivo para a integração financeira na África Austral!

A inclusão do Kwanza Angolano (AOA) na plataforma de pagamentos SADC-RTGS representa um marco estratégico para o comércio transfronteiriço na região.

Ao expandir a liquidação em moedas locais, fortalecemos diretamente as iniciativas de integração do Secretariado da SADC e impulsionamos a Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (AfCFTA), reduzindo custos e elimiando barreiras comerciais.

Além disso, este avanço alinha-se aos alvos do G20 para tornar os pagamentos transfronteiriços mais rápidos, transparentes e inclusivos.

Seguimos promovendo um ecossistema financeiro mais robusto, eficiente e interconectado para toda a região!

29/07/2026

Trade across Southern Africa just got smoother. 🤝

Integrating the Angolan Kwanza (AOA) into the SADC-RTGS Payment Platform isn't just a technical upgrade—it’s a major step toward economic unity.

This move directly supports:
1️⃣ The SADC Secretariat’s strategic integration goals
2️⃣ The AfCFTA framework for unlocking intra-African commerce
3️⃣ The G20 cross-border targets to cut transaction costs and delays

More settlement options mean stronger regional trade, fewer barriers, and a more resilient financial ecosystem for all member states.

-RTGS

13/05/2026

Ten years on, financial inclusion in SADC has come a long way — but the work continues.

At the closing of the Forum, one thing remains clear: access alone is not enough.

While more people can now access financial services, challenges remain around affordability, usage and relevance - especially for households, rural communities and MSMEs.

The focus is on impact: making financial systems work better for people and businesses in their daily lives.

Thank you to all partners, speakers and participants who contributed to this important conversation. More insights will be shared soon.



SADC Banking Association
SADC

05/05/2026

Congratulations 🎊

As the global conversation shifts towards building more inclusive and resilient financial systems, the SADC region is marking an important milestone.

For over a decade, financial inclusion has helped lay the groundwork for greater economic participation, resilience and growth across the region. This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary of the SADC Financial Inclusion Forum, the focus is evolving – from access to impact.

What does it take to ensure financial systems truly work for people, businesses and economies? Follow along for insights from the Forum, starting tomorrow.