One QR code to pay in six countries: GIMAC's quiet revolution

Interoperability: what are we talking about?

For a long time, each mobile money operator and each bank worked in a closed loop. Sending money from one mobile wallet to another operator, or to a bank account, was complicated or impossible. Interoperability means connecting all these systems so that money can flow freely between them.

GIMACPAY, the backbone

Since 2018, a BEAC instruction has required banks, mobile operators and payment providers to become interoperable. To achieve this, the Central African Interbank Electronic Payment Group (GIMAC) set up GIMACPAY, a platform that links bank cards, mobile money and money transfers in the zone's six countries.

The common QR code

The next step: the BEAC has officially adopted a common payment QR code. A merchant will be able to display a single code that all customers can scan, whatever their operator or bank, in every CEMAC country. For small shops, it is a simple and inexpensive way to accept digital payments. GIMAC has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Visa to develop e-commerce and international gateways.

Chad needs to catch up

Chad still lags behind some of its neighbours in digital finance. The government has announced plans to scrap the tax on money transfers to boost mobile money from 2026. A decision that could remove a major barrier to adoption.

Expected benefits

Less cash handling, safer transactions, better traceability of payments and easier access to financial services for the unbanked. For the state, digital payments also make it easier to collect taxes and pay salaries and social benefits.

At a glance

• GIMACPAY links banks, mobile money and transfers in the six countries
• New common payment QR code approved by the BEAC
• Chad: planned removal of the tax on money transfers