Namibia is set to introduce a real-time payments system before June 2026, as the country moves to modernise its financial infrastructure and expand access to digital financial services.
The Bank of Namibia (BoN) confirmed that its instant payments platform is in the final stages of development, with multiple financial institutions already integrated and technical testing largely completed.
Governor Ebson Uanguta said the system will go live with at least three initial use cases, enabling faster and more accessible transactions across the economy.
“We have made very good progress in terms of our instant payment solution, and before June we should be launching it, with a number of participants already having completed system integration and user acceptance testing,” he said.
Instant payment systems allow funds to be transferred between accounts within seconds, operating continuously and reducing reliance on traditional batch processing. The rollout positions Namibia among a growing number of emerging markets investing in real-time payment infrastructure to drive financial inclusion and economic efficiency.
Uanguta said the platform is expected to play a key role in bringing more individuals into the formal financial system.
“This solution will help bring people who were excluded from the financial system into formal participation,” he said.
The Ministry of Finance said the initiative forms part of broader reforms to strengthen the country’s digital economy and reduce transaction costs.
Executive Director Oscar Capelao said the platform will improve the speed, affordability and accessibility of payments for both individuals and businesses.
“The instant payment platform driven by the Bank of Namibia represents an important step towards enabling faster, more accessible and more affordable transactions across the economy,” he said.
He added that improving access to financial services remains critical to addressing inequality and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Namibia’s move comes amid a wider global shift towards interoperable, real-time payment systems, with policymakers increasingly viewing digital financial infrastructure as a foundation for economic participation, innovation and resilience.
Authorities said continued coordination between regulators, financial institutions and technology providers will be key to ensuring the system delivers its intended impact once operational.
