African Payment Rails Interoperability Protocol (APRIP): A Mandatory Open API Standard for Mobile Money
Description
Mandate interoperability across mobile money providers through an African Payment Rails Interoperability Protocol (APRIP) — a binding technical and regulatory framework requiring all licensed mobile money providers to support open API connectivity, enabling real-time cross-network and cross-border transfers at capped fees.
Though initially focused on Africa (where the problem is most acute and regulatory will is strongest via the African Union), the protocol is designed for global adoption. Core components: (1) Open API Mandate: All providers with 500K+ accounts must implement GSMA open API standards by 2027 — enabling any-to-any transfers across networks. 5% (vs. current 3-8%).
(3) Instant settlement rails: Central bank-operated instant payment infrastructure (modeled on Tanzania's TIPS, India's UPI) that all providers connect to, eliminating bilateral agreement requirements.
(4) Cross-border extension: Bilateral agreements between 10 AU member states to extend APRIP rules to cross-border transfers using the PanAfrican Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) as backbone.
Implementation Pathway
Phase 1 (2025–2027)
- • APRIP standard adopted by African Union
- • Top 20 providers by user base implement open API
- • Fee caps enacted in 10 pilot countries
Phase 2 (2027–2030)
- • APRIP extended to 40 AU member states
- • Cross-border interoperability live across 10 country corridors
- • PAPSS integration complete
Phase 3 (2030+)
- • APRIP adopted as global standard via ITU
- • 1 billion users on interoperable rails
- • Remittance cost falls below 1% in covered corridors
Required Resources
Impact Analysis
Overall Net Impact
Combined analysis across all timeframes
Short-term
0-2 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Mid-term
3-10 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Long-term
10+ years
No benefits identified
No harms identified