The value of digital payment transactions in Rwanda rose by 36.1% in the second quarter of 2026 to Rwf2.78 trillion, driven by growing use of mobile-based financial services.
The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) released the figures during a press briefing on August 27, 2026, reporting continued expansion in the country’s digital payment system.
BNR said the number of digital payment transactions increased by 21% to 889.9 million during the quarter, with mobile phone payments remaining the most widely used channel.
The growth comes as digital financial services increasingly enable Rwandans to send and receive money without relying on traditional banking channels.
e-Kash transactions surge
e-Kash recorded one of the strongest increases during the period.
The number of transactions conducted through the service rose by 155.3% to 14.6 million, while their value jumped by 2,545% to Rwf1.46 trillion.
BNR said it is continuing to work with stakeholders to address operational challenges affecting the e-Kash interoperability system and improve the service.
Fraud declines but remains a concern
The rapid growth in digital payments is also accompanied by continued concerns over financial fraud.
Payment service providers reported 2,879 fraudulent incidents during the first half of 2026, down from 4,128 recorded during the same period in 2025.
However, BNR said impersonation remains a particular concern, with fraudsters attempting to deceive users into revealing information that can give them access to financial services or funds.
The central bank stressed the importance of protecting customers’ personal and financial information as digital payments become more widespread.
BNR said it will continue strengthening measures against financial fraud, educating financial services users and improving the security of payment systems.
The figures highlight the rapid shift towards digital payments in Rwanda, while also pointing to the need to strengthen safeguards as more financial transactions move onto digital platforms.
