Product

May 14, 2025 2025-05-26 14:43
OPEN SWITCH AFRICA

Product Overview

Modern payment infrastructure, designed for Africa.

OpenSwitch is an open-source, interoperable payment switch platform that connects banks, mobile money providers, fintechs, microfinance institutions, and government systems – enabling secure, real-time, and inclusive transactions across Africa.

Built with scalability, compliance, and flexibility at its core, the platform supports a wide range of transaction types and use cases, serving both national payment operators and regional ecosystems.

Product - OpenSwitch Africa
Money Wave - Open Source Africa

Core Modules

OpenSwitch is built as a modular platform, allowing institutions to deploy what they need, when they need it.

Module Function
Transaction Processing Routes, authorises, and settles transactions across connected financial institutions in real-time.
Interoperability Engine Connects banks, wallets, mobile money systems, and processors using international open standards.
Security Module Ensures data privacy, encryption, tokenisation, and fraud prevention.
Reporting & Analytics Reporting & Analytics Offers real-time dashboards and in-depth reports on transactions, usage patterns, and system health.
Configuration & Customisation Adapts the system to local needs - including regulatory settings, user tiers, and language support.

Key Features & Capabilities

Capability Description
Real-Time Transactions Routes, authorises, and settles transactions across connected financial institutions in real-time.
Interoperability Engine Connects banks, wallets, mobile money systems, and processors using international open standards.
Security Module Ensures data privacy, encryption, tokenisation, and fraud prevention.
Reporting & Analytics Reporting & Analytics Offers real-time dashboards and in-depth reports on transactions, usage patterns, and system health.
Configuration & Customisation Adapts the system to local needs - including regulatory settings, user tiers, and language support.

Transaction Lifecycle

Built for transparency, trust, and traceability.

Initiation & Validation

Identity and transaction details are authenticated in real-time.

Digital Financial Service Providers (DFSPs):

Enabling cross-platform integration and innovation.

Merchants, NGOs & Governments:

Supporting reliable transactions for commerce, aid, and public services.

Payment Service Providers (PSPs):

Connecting to a broader market through one platform.

Microfinance & Mobile Money Operators:

Reaching underserved populations more effectively.
Money Wave - Open Source Africa
Transaction Lifecycle - OpenSwitch Africa

Transaction Lifecycle

Built for transparency, trust, and traceability.

Transaction Types Supported

Type Description
P2P Peer-to-peer money transfers across platforms (e.g. mobile wallet to bank).
P2B Customer-to-merchant payments, including retail, online, and utilities.
B2B Supplier payments, bulk disbursements, and business settlements.
B2G / G2P Tax payments, licenses, salaries, and government transfers.
Cross-Border Multi-currency payments across African countries with regulatory compliance.
Money Wave - Open Source Africa
Powered by OpenSwitch Africa

Built-In Interoperability

OpenSwitch Africa enables seamless integration across:

Powered by:

  • Open APIs<
  • Standardised adapters
  • Asynchronous, secure connections
  • Hub-based architecture

Security & Compliance

Security is not a feature for us – it’s foundational.

End-to-End Encryption:

All transaction data is encrypted during transmission and storage.

Fraud Prevention:

Machine learning-based fraud detection and velocity checks.

KYC/AML Support:

Tiered identity requirements and screening against sanctions and PEP lists.

Regulatory Compliance:

Aligns with AU data laws and country-specific financial regulations.

OpenSwitch as a DPG

OpenSwitch Africa is more than simply platform - it's a Digital Public Good (DPG) in action.

  • Digital Payments Infrastructure (DPI Block)
  • Non-proprietary, community-extensible
  • Built to interoperate with other DPI like ID (eKYC) and Credentials (VCs)

Deployment & Integration

Whether you’re a central bank or fintech startup, OpenSwitch Africa supports:

  • Cloud-native and on-prem deployment
  • Modular rollouts based on readiness
  • Sandbox environments for testing
  • API documentation and implementation guides

Let's Talk

Ready to build or scale your payment infrastructure?

Let’s work together to create a more connected, financially inclusive Africa.