It began not with a transaction, but with a vision: a continent no longer at the mercy of foreign payment rails, a people connected by purpose and empowered by progress.
That vision came to life in Abuja, as Africa launched its very first Pan-African payment card — the PAPSSCARD.
At the grand gathering of the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings, beneath the bright lights and hopeful eyes, leaders, innovators, and visionaries unveiled what might become one of the most transformative tools in Africa’s financial future.
For decades, every swipe and click made by African consumers silently traveled through foreign lands — through global payment systems that charged high fees and siphoned away control. But now, Africa is reclaiming its own story, one transaction at a time.
🪪 What Is PAPSSCARD?
At its core, PAPSSCARD is more than plastic and chips. It’s a symbol of sovereignty.
Created by Afreximbank, in partnership with PAPSS (Pan-African Payment and Settlement System) and Mercury Payment Services, this card will allow seamless, secure, and low-cost retail payments across African borders — all while keeping value, data, and control right here on the continent.
🔄 Why It Matters
Until now, most African card transactions had to pass through systems based in Europe or America, incurring unnecessary charges, delays, and data vulnerabilities.
But PAPSSCARD is different.
It’s processed entirely within Africa.
It speaks the financial language of the continent.
And it’s designed for how Africa trades, travels, and grows.
“This card is about more than money. It’s about autonomy,” said Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank.
“It will power intra-African trade and protect the economic dignity of our people.”
💬 A Chorus of Confidence
From the boardroom to the marketplace, leaders across sectors echoed the sentiment:
- Mike Ogbalu III, CEO of PAPSS, called it a “symbol of progress.”
- Muzaffer Khokhar, chairman of Mercury Payment Services, described it as “a bold stride toward financial sovereignty.”
- And John Bosco Sebabi, acting CEO of PAPSSCARD, reminded everyone: “This isn’t just for big banks — it’s for the merchant in Accra, the tailor in Kigali, and the traveler crossing borders with ease.”
🌍 Built in Africa, For Africa
The pilot rollout began with issuing banks in Rwanda and Nigeria, and more are joining quickly. Powered by Smart Cash, Rswitch, Unified Payments, and others, the system is primed to scale continent-wide.
More than a card, PAPSSCARD is the infrastructure of African dreams — part of a wider AfCFTA vision to unlock a single African market through integrated trade and digital finance.
✨ The Future, Swiped
In a continent of 1.4 billion people, PAPSSCARD could become the most important card in your wallet — one that reflects not just your identity, but your continent’s pride.
Africa is no longer waiting to be included.
It is building its own systems.
And this card is just the beginning.
Want to learn more or get involved in the PAPSSCARD movement?
Visit here.
