PAPSS Average Payment Size Fell About 80 Percent as Volumes Outpaced Values

The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System is being used for far smaller payments than a year ago, according to growth figures Afreximbank published on 11 September 2026. Volume growth far outpaced value growth, putting the mean payment at about a fifth of its year-earlier size. Afreximbank published the change as percentages rather than absolute counts and values.

PAPSS transaction volumes increased by approximately 1,000 per cent between comparable periods in 2025 and 2026, Afreximbank said on 11 September 2026. Transaction values across the network increased by approximately 120 per cent over the same period. Those two rates put the average payment crossing PAPSS about 80 per cent below its year-earlier level.

The network now operates in more than 30 African countries. It connects 24 national and regional central banks. More than 200 commercial banks and payment service providers are connected. Sixteen switches are connected. Around 10 additional countries joined PAPSS during 2026.

Nigerian transaction volumes rose by approximately 1,100 per cent between the same two periods. Nigerian transaction values rose by approximately 125 per cent. Nigeria therefore appears to follow the continental pattern of volume growth running well ahead of value growth.

Afreximbank expressed both changes in percentage terms. That leaves PAPSS difficult to benchmark against instant payment systems that publish monthly transaction counts and values. Afreximbank expects further countries to join before the end of 2026.