Introduction
Kotani Pay has joined the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Private Sector Coalition after receiving an official invitation. Felix Macharia, the company’s CEO, joined Dr. James Mwangi of Equity Group and Dr. Robert Ochola of AfricaNenda Foundation as part of the coalition.
Equity Group and AfricaNenda Foundation convened the DPI Private Sector Coalition, with support from the Gates Foundation. Kotani Pay announced its membership on LinkedIn.
What the DPI Private Sector Coalition Aims to Achieve
The coalition aims to speed up the development of interoperable digital infrastructure across Africa. It brings private-sector leadership and investment together to support seamless payments and closer cross-border economic integration.
Its conveners come from banking and from organisations that work on payments infrastructure. Equity Group’s Dr. James Mwangi and AfricaNenda Foundation’s Dr. Robert Ochola were among the coalition leaders that Kotani Pay’s CEO joined.
Closed-Door Talks With President Paul Kagame
After the coalition’s inaugural roundtable, Kotani Pay met H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, for closed-door discussions.
According to Kotani Pay, the talks covered three areas: strengthening interoperable digital payment systems, expanding financial inclusion, and advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Interoperability and the Future of Payments in Africa
Kotani Pay says the coalition’s work bears directly on the future of payments in Africa.
The company expects interoperability to matter more as African markets become more connected. In its view, interoperability between digital assets, local payment systems and financial institutions will be needed for cross-border value to move efficiently.
Kotani Pay also connects its participation to the wider aim of a more connected African digital economy, which ties into the AfCFTA objectives discussed with President Kagame.
Kotani Pay says it will contribute to the coalition’s work and support efforts towards a more connected African digital economy, building on the inaugural roundtable.