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Reference Guide for Inclusive Instant Payment Scheme Rules

A comprehensive framework for developing scheme rules, offering legal, operational, and governance foundations to build secure and accessible IPS across Africa.

Version 1.0
Glossary of Terms

Overview

Executive Summary1. Introduction2. Guiding Approach3. Legal Framework4. Participation Agreements5. Core Components of Scheme Rules6. Pricing Policy7. Education & Awareness8. Conclusion and Path Forward

Annexes

Annex 1: GlossaryAnnex 2: Global BenchmarkingAnnex 3: Key Performance MetricsAnnex 4: Financial Inclusion MetricsAnnex 5: Key Components of Scheme RulesAnnex 6: Participant Compliance ReportingAnnex 7: Examples of Existing IPS

AfricaNenda © 2026 · Reference Guide v1.0

2. Guiding Approach

3 min read1 sections482 wordsIPS Reference Guide v1.0

1. Rules Adoption and Implementation

Transitioning from rule development to operational implementation requires a structured and transparent implementation framework that promotes readiness, alignment, and compliance among all participants. This process should include the following key stages:

  1. Formal Approval Processes: Clearly defined governance procedures should guide rule adoption. This includes formal review stages, stakeholder consultations, voting mechanisms (if applicable), and proper documentation of decisions.
  2. Notice Periods: Adequate lead time should be provided between the publication and the effective date of new rules. Typical notice periods range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the changes and the level of operational adjustment required.
  3. Phased Implementation: Where feasible, rule implementation may be conducted in phases, prioritizing components based on criticality, readiness, or difficulty. This allows stakeholders to gradually adapt and mitigate risk during deployment.
  4. Educational Support and Capacity Building: To ensure smooth adoption, the Scheme operator should offer a variety of training and support resources, such as user guides and implementation manuals, workshops and webinars, as well as technical assistance and frequently asked questions (FAQs). These resources will help participants effectively navigate and adopt the Scheme.
  5. Compliance Verification Mechanisms: Clear procedures should be established to verify compliance with the new rules. These procedures may include testing or certification requirements, formal attestation by participants, and independent compliance Committee (e.g. The EPC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC)[^2]) or audits, as appropriate, to ensure adherence to the established standards.
  6. Transitional Provisions: Temporary arrangements may be necessary to support participants during the transition. These arrangements could include grace periods for compliance, temporary waivers or alternative procedures, and pilot or soft-launch phases to ensure a smooth implementation of the new rules.

1.1. Rules Maintenance and Evolution

To ensure that Scheme rules remain relevant, effective, and aligned with evolving needs, a robust and transparent rules maintenance framework must be established. This framework should support continuous improvement through regular reviews, structured change management, and regulatory compliance. Key elements include:

  1. Regular Review Cycles: A schedule for periodic assessment should be established to evaluate the effectiveness and clarity of the rules. This should include an annual comprehensive review of the entire rulebook, along with more frequent, targeted reviews of specific sections based on operational feedback, incident reports, or stakeholder input.
  2. Change Request Procedures: Modifications to rules should follow standardized procedures to ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability throughout the change process. These procedures should include a clear justification for each proposed change, an assessment of its potential impact on operations, regulatory compliance, and Scheme Participants, as well as well-defined pathways for consultation and formal approval.
  3. Interpretation Mechanisms: Ambiguities or unforeseen situations should be addressed through formal interpretation processes that ensure clarity and consistency in rule application. These mechanisms should clearly define the authority responsible for interpreting the rules, outline the procedure for submitting interpretation requests, and establish requirements for documenting and, where applicable, publishing official interpretations to promote transparency and guidance for all stakeholders.
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