In a landmark move for Guinea's financial sector, the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea BCRG officially launched the workshop for the implementation of the Instant Payment System SPI on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Presided over by the First Deputy Governor, El Hadj Mohamed Lamine CONTE, the project is supported by the AfricaNenda Foundation and represents a major leap toward modernizing the nation's digital public infrastructure.
The SPI is designed as a sovereign, interoperable digital platform built on Mojaloop open-source technology. This system will enable Guineans to send and receive funds in real-time, 24/7, bridging the gap between different financial providers including banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile money operators. By allowing instant transfers across these various wallets, the BCRG aims to dramatically reduce the countrys heavy reliance on physical cash-where currently nearly 94 of issued banknotes remain outside the formal banking system.
Beyond simple convenience, the SPI serves as a strategic tool for financial inclusion, specifically targeting rural populations and the unbanked. The system is modeled after successful global benchmarks like India's UPI and Brazil's PIX, with the intent to lower transaction costs and foster a more competitive environment for local fintech startups. It also prepares Guinea for deeper regional economic integration by aligning with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System PAPSS and ECOWAS standards.
