M-Pesa Links Up with EthSwitch to Power Seamless Digital Payments Across Ethiopia

M-Pesa has connected its mobile money platform to EthSwitch, Ethiopia’s national payment network, enabling users to transfer funds and make payments seamlessly between M-Pesa and all banks linked to the system.

The integration allows M-Pesa customers to send or receive money directly from their mobile wallets to bank accounts, and to make QR-based merchant payments using bank-issued EthQR codes. Likewise, bank customers can now transfer money to M-Pesa wallets or pay M-Pesa merchants by scanning M-Pesa EthQR codes through their mobile banking applications.

EthSwitch’s national infrastructure supports the system, providing real-time transaction processing and compliance with financial regulations. The feature is accessible through the M-Pesa app, while participating banks have added M-Pesa to their transfer options.

Elsa Muzzolini, chief executive of M-Pesa Ethiopia, said the rollout marked “a significant step toward a more connected and inclusive financial system,” adding that interoperability “empowers customers to move money freely between banks and mobile wallets—securely, instantly, and conveniently.”

The platform currently connects with Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, CBE Birr, Addis International Bank, Amhara Bank, Awash Bank, Bunna Bank, Cooperative Bank of Oromia, Enat Bank, Lion Bank, KAAFI Microfinance, Siinqee Bank, Siket Bank, Tsehay Bank, Wegagen Bank, and Zemen Bank. Additional institutions are expected to join in the coming weeks.

SOURCE: AGENCIES