Rwanda and Cambodia have launched a pilot initiative to connect their digital payment systems, paving the way for faster, more convenient and potentially cheaper cross-border money transfers between the two countries.
The initiative, known as the Proof of Concept of Cross-Border Remittance between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of Rwanda, was officially launched on November 15, 2026, on the sidelines of the Black Swan Summit Cambodia in Phnom Penh.
The project brings together Cambodia’s Bakong payment platform and Rwanda’s eKash digital payment system, operated by R-Switch, to enable people in Cambodia to send money directly to beneficiaries in Rwanda.
Under the arrangement, recipients in Rwanda will be able to receive funds through their bank accounts or mobile phones, offering an additional channel for international money transfers.
ACLEDA Bank Plc. of Cambodia will serve as the correspondent bank, while I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc. will handle the receipt and processing of funds to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries.
Through the partnership, customers of ACLEDA Bank and other financial institutions connected to the Bakong network will be able to transfer money directly to bank accounts and other eligible beneficiaries in Rwanda.
The initiative is expected to reduce the time and procedural requirements involved in cross-border transfers while making the services more affordable and accessible to users.
Beyond personal remittances, the integration is also expected to support trade, investment and tourism by simplifying financial transactions between individuals and businesses operating in the two countries.
Businesses engaged in cross-border activities could benefit from more convenient payment options, while improved access to digital financial services is expected to encourage greater participation in formal financial systems.
The initiative comes as Rwanda and Cambodia continue to explore opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several areas, including investment, tourism, air transport and technology.
By connecting their digital payment infrastructure, the two countries are seeking to facilitate financial transactions and create new opportunities for economic engagement between their respective markets.
