The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has announced the nationwide rollout of eKash, a new instant digital payment service that will enable seamless transfers between bank accounts and mobile money wallets, marking another major step in Rwanda’s transition toward a cashless economy.
According toThe National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has announced the nationwide rollout of eKash, a new instant digital payment service that will enable seamless transfers between bank accounts and mobile money wallets, marking another major step in Rwanda’s transition toward a cashless economy.
According to a public notice signed by BNR Governor Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, the service will become operational on July 14, 2026, allowing customers of participating financial institutions to transfer money instantly regardless of their bank or mobile money provider.
New Platform Enables Instant Transfers Across Financial Institutions
BNR said eKash is being introduced under the Rwanda National Digital Payment System (RNDPS-eKash), a national platform designed to improve interoperability between banks and payment service providers.
The system will allow customers to carry out several types of instant transactions, including:
- Bank account to bank account transfers
- Bank account to mobile money wallet transfers
- Mobile money wallet to bank account transfers
- Mobile money transfers between different service providers
The central bank said the platform is expected to make digital payments faster, more secure, and more convenient while promoting greater financial inclusion.
Transaction Limit Set at RWF 10 Million
During the initial rollout, customers will be able to transfer up to RWF 10 million per transaction through the eKash platform.
BNR advised customers to contact their respective banks or mobile money providers for information on transaction charges and any service-specific conditions that may apply.
The regulator noted that the platform has been designed to support efficient and reliable digital payments across Rwanda’s financial sector.
BNR Highlights Security and Fraud Prevention Measures
The National Bank of Rwanda emphasized that all eKash transactions will comply with the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.
Suspicious transactions will be monitored and, where necessary, reported to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) for investigation.
BNR also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud by using only official channels when accessing eKash services. The central bank reminded the public never to share banking details, passwords, PINs, or one-time passwords (OTPs), stressing that legitimate financial institutions will never request such confidential information through phone calls, text messages, or social media.
Digital Payments Expected to Expand Financial Inclusion
The central bank has encouraged banks, financial institutions, and payment service providers to educate customers about the new platform to ensure its successful adoption across the country.
According to BNR, eKash is expected to simplify digital transactions, reduce dependence on cash, encourage financial innovation, and expand access to efficient financial services.
The rollout of eKash reflects the National Bank of Rwanda’s continued commitment to building a modern, secure, and inclusive digital payment ecosystem that supports Rwanda’s economic transformation and strengthens financial inclusion nationwide.
