PI-SPI: Mobile money operators at risk, and what will change for users

Since November 2, 2026, interoperable electronic-money transactions across the WAEMU region must go through PI-SPI, the regional instant-payment platform operated by the BCEAO. The change caught Senegalese users by surprise after direct transfers from bank accounts to Orange Money, Flash, or Wave failed, prompting anger and confusion. Domestic person-to-person transfers are free up to a cumulative 8,000 CFA francs per day, per user and provider; above that limit, providers may charge a maximum rate of 0.8%, while receiving transfers remains free. The cap on electronic-money balances has also risen from 2 million to 4 million CFA francs.