What is this tool?
This glossary is your essential reference for understanding digital payments and financial inclusion across Africa. It was developed for policymakers, payment service providers, fintech innovators, development practitioners, and researchers.
It brings together standardized definitions for over 100 critical terms spanning technical infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and payment mechanisms — creating a shared language that drives collaboration and advances inclusive digital payment ecosystems across the continent.
How to use it
Learn
Payment system frameworks, IPS typologies, switching and settlement models, technical standards like ISO 20022, and interoperability concepts.
Understand
Regulatory compliance and risk management — KYC procedures, customer due diligence, and tiered frameworks.
Discover
Payment instruments, channels, and use cases such as QR codes, mobile wallets, and G2P disbursements.
Grasp
Governance and security topics, including fraud prevention and recourse mechanisms.
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