BIMAO Express

The Interoperable Instant Payment System Platform (PI-SPI) is a regional payment infrastructure designed and operated by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

It enables the instant sending and receiving of funds between different financial institutions, including banks, electronic money issuers, microfinance institutions, and payment institutions.

Thanks to PI-SPI, every citizen of the Union can make payments in seconds, 24/7, more easily, securely, and interoperably.

Strategic Vision
The Platform aligns with the Central Bank's strategic vision: “An innovative and resilient central bank serving the people and the sustainable development of the Union's economies.”

“PI is a unified regional instant payment platform designed for everyone. It eliminates the barriers between banks, microfinance institutions, electronic money institutions, and payment providers, so that everyone can send or receive money simply, anytime.” Jean-Claude Kassi BROU, Governor of the BCEAO

With PI-SPI, the BCEAO is pursuing its strong ambition to modernize payments within the Union, strengthen financial inclusion, and stimulate innovation in a regulated and open ecosystem.

Objectives

Modernization: to offer a digital payment solution adapted to the contemporary needs of users;

Interoperability: to connect all financial actors on a single platform, regardless of their legal status;

Inclusion: to make electronic payments accessible and affordable for the widest possible audience, particularly via mobile channels;

Digitalization: to facilitate the transition to digital payments for households, merchants, and government agencies;

Competitiveness: creating an environment conducive to innovation and the emergence of new services at a lower cost.