Rwanda pushes digital payments despite high bank account access
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Rwanda’s National Bank of Rwanda began a national campaign to encourage citizens and businesses to use digital payments instead of cash.
The bank launched the #TwagiyeKashiresi (“Lets Go Cashless”) campaign in Rubavu District, working with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, RSwitch, commercial banks, and mobile-money operators. This initiative responds to data showing that while 85.3% of Rwandans have digital financial accounts, 92% still prefer to use cash for daily purchases.
The campaign focuses on shifting payment habits for common expenses where cash remains dominant. Currently, cash accounts for 65% of airtime and data purchases, 45% of medical bills and farming inputs, and 44% of school fees. Utility bills represent the largest share of digital payments, at 33%. BNR intends to address the costs associated with cash transactions, which include the burden of carrying it, time lost, and the expense of printing currency.
The campaign utilizes eKash, Rwanda’s national interoperable payment system, allowing people to transfer money between banks and mobile-money platforms using their existing accounts. After launching in Rubavu, the campaign will continue in Huye on September 14-16 and Rusizi on September 22 and 23.
