The Bank of Ghana is moving to strengthen cross-border financial technology operations in partnership with the Bank of Rwanda, with both institutions finalizing agreements under a fintech passport framework designed to enable cross-border licensing and foster trade cooperation across the continent.
Matilda Asante-Asiedu, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, announced the initiative during the opening session of the African Prosperity Dialogues 2026 on Wednesday, February 4, emphasizing that the collaboration is part of a wider effort to simplify and improve payment systems between African countries.
Ms Asante-Asiedu explained that the high cost and operational complexity of cross-border transactions continue to hinder seamless trade flows across Africa. She noted that expensive and slow payments remain a significant obstacle to the growth of intra-African commerce and the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Here at the Bank of Ghana, we are advancing key initiatives. Our fintech passport represents a strategic collaboration with the Bank of Rwanda, aimed at enabling cross-border licensing and building regulatory trust. We believe this approach can be expanded across Africa to facilitate trade,” Ms Asante-Asiedu said.
The framework is expected to provide a trusted regulatory environment for fintech firms, reduce transaction costs, and improve the speed and efficiency of payments, thereby supporting the continent’s ambition to deepen economic integration and expand intra-African trade.
