News | Afghanistan Payments System

APS Launches New Real-Time Payment Gateway

Mar 25, 2026

Others

APS Launches New Real-Time Payment Gateway

Afghanistan Payment System (APS) is proud to announce the official launch of its Real-Time Payment Gateway, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at modernizing and accelerating the country's digital payment ecosystem. The new gateway enables instant fund transfers between banks and financial institutions, drastically reducing transaction times from hours to mere seconds. This is a significant leap forward for the Afghan financial sector, offering greater efficiency, transparency, and trust in electronic transactions. "The Real-Time Payment Gateway marks a transformative milestone in how payments are made and received across Afghanistan," said the APS CEO. "Our goal is to build a future-ready infrastructure that empowers financial institutions and their customers with speed, security, and accessibility." Key Features of the Real-Time Payment Gateway: 5. ⚡**Bold** Instant Settlement: Transactions are processed and settled within seconds. 6. 🔒 Enhanced Security: Built-in fraud detection and encryption protocols. 7. 🏦 Wider Integration: Seamlessly integrates with banks, MFIs, mobile wallets, and core banking systems. 8. 📈 Scalable Architecture: Supports growing volumes with real-time monitoring and uptime guarantees. _Benefits for Financial Institutions and Users_ **With this launch, APS continues to bridge digital finance gaps across the country. Customers can now expect faster bill payments, immediate peer-to-peer transfers, and real-time merchant settlements, improving day-to-day commerce and digital adoption. **Next Steps ### APS will continue onboarding financial institutions to the new system in phases, ensuring stability, compliance, and training support. Future enhancements include QR-based payments and cross-border settlement modules.

Jan 22, 2026

AfPay

About the Afghanistan Payments System

“The Afghanistan Payments System is the country’s sole national electronic payments switch, operating through the AF Pay National Card and aiming to reduce cash-based transactions.

Jan 22, 2026

Others

About OTP (One-Time Password)

An OTP is a temporary, single-use password sent to you via SMS, email, or an authenticator app. It provides an extra layer of security by verifying your identity during login, transactions, or sensitive operations. OTPs expire quickly, ensuring your accounts stay safe from unauthorized access.

Jan 22, 2026

USSD

USSD Services: A New Milestone for the Next Generation

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is experiencing a major resurgence in developing markets. Once considered outdated, USSD is now powering innovative fintech and e-government services. Recent reports show a 20% year-over-year increase in USSD-based transactions across Sub-Saharan Africa. Telecom operators are investing in modern USSD gateways with enhanced reliability and lower latency. “We’ve optimized our USSD menu to be more responsive and secure,” said MTN Nigeria’s CTO. In 2025, USSD is being recognized as a resilient low-bandwidth communication protocol. With no need for smartphones or internet, USSD reaches even the most remote populations. Mobile money providers such as M-Pesa and MTN MoMo continue to rely heavily on USSD. Banks are upgrading their USSD infrastructure to support multi-language, dynamic menu systems. A new wave of APIs allows developers to integrate USSD with backend systems more efficiently. In Ghana, the Ministry of Health launched a USSD code for free COVID-19 vaccination registration. USSD also plays a key role in utility payments, agricultural subsidies, and electoral information. In South Asia, microfinance institutions use USSD for quick loan disbursements and balance checks. Emerging platforms now offer session management and analytics for USSD traffic. Security remains a top concern, prompting adoption of PIN encryption and session timeouts. Cross-network USSD interoperability is under testing in Kenya and Rwanda. The GSMA has praised USSD for its role in closing the digital divide. Startups are building “USSD-as-a-Service” platforms targeting SMEs and NGOs. In Afghanistan, a recent partnership enabled farmers to access market prices via USSD. Meanwhile, Nepal Telecom reports over 2 million USSD sessions daily for banking services. India’s UPI Lite plans to support fallback to USSD for offline payments. Telecom regulators are calling for standardized shortcodes to prevent user confusion. Some operators are trialing hybrid USSD-SMS services to deliver session summaries. A key challenge remains handling high traffic loads during emergencies or airtime promos. AI-powered dynamic menus are being explored for personalization in USSD journeys. The UN’s ITU body is advocating USSD in its digital literacy programs. Despite 5G growth, USSD remains vital where connectivity is unstable. Analysts predict USSD will remain relevant through 2030 in low-income regions. With innovation and policy support, USSD may become the backbone of inclusive digital services. As one expert put it, “USSD is not legacy tech—it’s a lifeline.”

Holding a Meeting with the Officials of Electronic Money Institutions

Jan 22, 2026

EMI

Holding a Meeting with the Officials of Electronic Money Institutions

Meeting Held under the Leadership of Da Afghanistan Bank to Expand Electronic Payments and Digitize Revenue Collection On 21 Rajab al-Murajjab 1447, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Sediqullah Khalid, First Deputy of Da Afghanistan Bank, with the Union and Electronic Money Institutions of Afghanistan. The meeting focused on the implementation of the High Decree of His Excellency the Amir al-Mu’minin regarding revenue collection through banking systems, as well as the general strategy approved by the Honorable Office of the Prime Minister. During the session, participants discussed the responsibilities of relevant departments within the framework of the general strategy for developing electronic payments and the role of electronic money institutions. Topics included electronic revenue collection, transitioning from cash to digital transactions, and related opportunities, challenges, and solutions. Mr. Sediqullah Khalid emphasized that Da Afghanistan Bank, through continuous efforts, has obtained approval for the general strategy for developing electronic payments from the Honorable Office of the Prime Minister. He added that this strategy not only facilitates the modernization of the financial system, transparency, and accountability but also enables the delivery of fast and modern financial services to remote areas of the country that lack access to banking branches. He further noted that implementing this strategy is not the responsibility of a single institution but a national responsibility. Therefore, all relevant departments, particularly electronic money institutions, must play their role, establish an effective presence in the market, and provide better services to fellow citizens. Mr. Khalid also stated that digitalization transforms Afghanistan into a modern, civilized, and financially stable country, allowing it to compete with global economies. Representatives of the Electronic Money Institutions Union considered the development and approval of this strategy a major achievement and praised the efforts of Da Afghanistan Bank and the commitment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in this regard. They also shared their challenges and proposals with Da Afghanistan Bank, which assured full cooperation in the relevant areas. It is noteworthy that, based on this strategy, an action plan has been prepared, and effective and practical steps will soon be taken in coordination with the relevant departments and electronic money institutions. Additionally, Mr. Fida Mohammad Faizan, Director General of the Office of the Presidency, highlighted the importance of public awareness in implementing the general strategy for expanding electronic payments. He emphasized that relevant institutions should carry out public awareness programs on this matter. Da Afghanistan Bank remains committed to providing public access to financial services across the country, ensuring that citizens benefit from formal financial and banking services.

Commencement of the Revenue Collection Process of Government Departments

Jan 22, 2026

EMI

Commencement of the Revenue Collection Process of Government Departments

“Fortunately, the Afghanistan Payments System has digitized the revenue collection of four ministries, and it is planned that 64 budget units will soon be digitized as well.

Why the Payments System?

Driving the Future of Digital Payments in Afghanistan

APS Launches New Real-Time Payment Gateway

About the Afghanistan Payments System

About OTP (One-Time Password)

USSD Services: A New Milestone for the Next Generation

Holding a Meeting with the Officials of Electronic Money Institutions

Commencement of the Revenue Collection Process of Government Departments