The new service will allow customers to send money from a bank account to a mobile wallet, from a mobile wallet to a bank account, and between accounts or wallets held with different providers through one interconnected platform.

The term Person-to-Person (P2P) interoperable transfers refers to the ability for individuals to send money directly to each other even when they use different banks or mobile money services.

NBR said the system will make digital payments faster, simpler and more affordable by reducing barriers between financial service providers.

In a public notice issued on July 13, the central bank described eKash as Rwanda’s national digital payment infrastructure that enables customers to “send, receive, and make payments across licensed financial institutions in a more accessible, reliable, affordable, and inclusive manner.”

From July 14, all P2P transfers between participating banks and electronic money issuers will be processed through eKash, creating a single connection point for licensed financial institutions.

According to the central bank, customers will continue using their existing bank accounts and mobile wallets, with no need to open new accounts or install additional applications.

The central bank has set a maximum transaction limit of Rwf10 million per transfer through eKash, while the highest fee that can be charged is Rwf20 per transaction. Financial institutions may apply lower fees, including zero charges, depending on their pricing policies.

“The maximum fee chargeable to customers for a Person-to-Person transfer through eKash is Rwf20 per transaction.
Financial institutions may apply a lower fee, including zero fees, in line with their respective pricing decisions,” NBR said.

The central bank expects the initiative to improve financial inclusion by expanding access to digital financial services and strengthening Rwanda’s payment ecosystem.

NBR said it will continue supervising eKash operations, including system performance, service availability, customer protection and complaint handling.

The regulator also urged banks and electronic money issuers to educate customers about the service, including applicable fees, transaction limits and available support channels.

Customers needing assistance can contact their financial institution or reach NBR through the Intumwa Chatbot and its official communication platforms.