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.


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
Digital Financial Service Providers (DFSPs):
Merchants, NGOs & Governments:
Payment Service Providers (PSPs):
Microfinance & Mobile Money Operators:


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. |


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:
Fraud Prevention:
KYC/AML Support:
Regulatory Compliance:
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.