The Alliance of Digital Finance and FinTech Associations (AllianceDFA), together with Contigo Global LLC, have been selected to capture private sector perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of Instant Payment Systems (IPS) in Africa. This recognition underscores AllianceDFA’s proven ability to convene and represent the voice of the industry and Contigo Global’s expertise in building inclusive, scalable, and profitable digital payment systems. Together, they will ensure that private sector experiences directly inform global discussions on IPS.
Instant Payment Systems (IPS) are expanding rapidly worldwide, creating opportunities to improve efficiency and reach in digital finance. Yet, many private sector actors continue to face barriers in integration, access and governance, limiting their ability to meaningfully serve both new and existing consumers. Addressing these gaps is critical to ensuring IPS deliver on their promise of inclusive, scalable, and sustainable financial services.
A Consortium of the technical partners of the Gates Foundation: AfricaNenda Foundation, Arab Monetary Fund, Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA), Integral and the World Bank, have come together to prepare a joint White Paper on Instant Payment Systems (IPS).
The White Paper, to be published in early 2026, will focus on addressing regulatory and policy barriers to the adoption and use of IPS across African countries by 2030. Its purpose is to guide policymakers and regulators across the continent while informing the Consortium’s joint advocacy efforts going forward.
The Consortium acknowledges the critical role of private sector Financial Service Providers (FSPs), banks and non-bank Payment Service Providers (PSPs) in the effective deployment and sustained growth of IPS. To this end, it seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the practical experiences and challenges these stakeholders encounter.
To achieve this, the Consortium is partnering with trusted research institutions that bring both technical expertise and strong, established networks. AllianceDFA and Contigo Global have been chosen to lead research and focus groups which will bring together voices from non-bank PSPs, banks, mobile money operators, industry associations and other stakeholders, ensuring perspectives from both large and smaller players are represented.
The research will be co-led by Sarah Corley, CEO of AllianceDFA, and Nandini Harihareswara, Founder of Contigo Global LLC. Together, Sarah and Nandini bring a powerful blend of expertise – Sarah with deep leadership in FinTech ecosystems and inclusive finance; Nandini with expertise in building inclusive, scalable, and profitable digital payment systems across 25+ markets in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.The research will be delivered to the Consortium in mid-November 2025, with findings being incorporated into the Consortium’s White Paper.
This collaboration provides two key opportunities for AllianceDFA, its member associations and Contigo Global:
- Shaping IPS advocacy and growth by ensuring private sector perspectives are responsibly represented and integrated
- Providing leadership in amplifying the private sector voice by curating and refining insights into actionable recommendations that advance inclusive and responsible digital finance ecosystems
About AllianceDFA
The Alliance of Digital Finance and FinTech Associations (AllianceDFA) is a global network of digital finance and fintech associations, working to lead inclusive and responsible digital finance ecosystems. AllianceDFA harnesses this collective strength to shape enabling policy, drive cross-border collaboration, set industry standards, and scale capacity and impact. Learn more at www.alliancedfa.org
About Contigo Global LLL
Contigo Global LLC, founded by Nandini Harihareswara, is a boutique advisory firm helping policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders design and scale inclusive, profitable Instant Payment Systems and digital financial services. Nandini is a global leader in digital payments and inclusive economies, with experience across 25+ markets in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. She has a unique track record of co-creating systems with both public and private sectors to expand access for marginalized communities, especially women. Learn more at: LinkedIn.