What the African Fintech Infrastructure Stack Looks Like in 2026

The African fintech infrastructure has shifted from access to plumbing, with a focus on the underlying layers and gaps. Mobile money networks, domestic instant payment systems, and cross-border payment systems coexist, with each handling different types of transactions. Developers need to understand these layers to determine what is possible. The infrastructure stack is critical to enabling real-time cross-border payments and reducing transaction costs. The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a key player in this space, with products like PAPSSCARD and the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM) launching in 2025.