By Richard Shumba

The AfricaNenda Foundation recently trained journalists from 12 African countries on Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (IIPS).

The training, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 5 to 7, 2026, focused on key topics including financial inclusion, interoperability, consumer protection, and the regulatory reforms needed to enhance access to digital payments across the continent.

The event aimed to strengthen journalists’ understanding of digital payment systems and improve their reporting on the impact of these systems on individuals, businesses, and underserved communities.

John Muthiora, the Technical Payment Specialist at AfricaNenda Foundation, discussed the development of IIPS, emphasizing the need to provide access beyond traditional banks by incorporating mobile money operators, microfinance institutions, savings and credit cooperatives, and fintech companies.
Key discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring connectivity among different financial service providers through interoperable systems. This would allow users to transfer money across participating platforms without facing unnecessary barriers.

Jude Fuhnwi, the Media Lead at AfricaNenda Foundation, participated in the foundation’s media engagement efforts on digital payments and financial inclusion.

The training also explored the role of policy and regulation in enhancing access to digital financial services, particularly as African countries strive to strengthen both domestic and cross-border payment systems.

Jacqueline Jumah, the Director of Advocacy and Capacity Development at AfricaNenda Foundation, emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equitable access to digital financial services for all, including women, in both urban and rural areas.

The discussions also raised concerns about harmonizing payment regulations across African countries to facilitate cross-border transactions and reduce barriers to regional financial integration.

Dr. Patrick Olomo from the African Union Commission highlighted the economic opportunities presented by Africa’s growing digital economy, stating, “We are creating a world of wealth, and it is a huge market.”

The conversations underscored the need for greater coordination among policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and payment service providers to ensure that the digital financial infrastructure promotes wider economic participation.

Sabine F. Mensah, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AfricaNenda Foundation, pointed out the challenges facing cross-border payments in Africa, such as high costs, delays, and complex procedures.

She called for enhanced collaboration among governments, regulators, regional institutions, payment service providers, and development partners to overcome these obstacles.

Consumer protection was also a significant issue addressed during the training.

Participants discussed the need to examine fraud risks, transaction disputes, and the effectiveness of safeguards that protect users.

The training underscored the importance of reporting beyond transaction volumes and payment speeds, urging journalists to investigate whether digital financial services are affordable, accessible, reliable, and safe for everyday users.

For journalists, this includes examining the experiences of market traders, smallholder farmers, cross-border traders, women-owned businesses, and young entrepreneurs who rely on accessible financial services to conduct their activities.

While Inclusive Instant Payment Systems are designed to facilitate near-real-time transfers and promote access among various financial service providers, it’s important to note that interoperability alone does not ensure financial inclusion.

Factors such as affordability, regulation, consumer confidence, and access to appropriate services also influence who benefits.

Ultimately, the training aimed to empower journalists to explain these complex issues to the public and hold relevant institutions accountable for making progress toward inclusive digital finance.