Pesalink launches fintech programme to boost innovation and collaboration

Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), the operator of Pesalink, has launched the Pesalink Fintech Programme, a new initiative designed to accelerate innovation and strengthen collaboration between banks, fintechs, and digital platforms across Kenya’s financial ecosystem.

The programme provides fintechs with direct access to Pesalink’s secure APIs, settlement network, and shared infrastructure, helping them build, test, and deploy financial solutions faster and more efficiently.

According to IPSL, the initiative marks a major shift for Pesalink — from a payment network to an open, industry-led innovation platform that promotes interoperability and inclusion.

The programme is anchored on three components: engagement with fintechs and settlement banks, the development of new use cases, and provision of tools to support innovation.

So far, over 26 fintech partners have been onboarded, with preferential access and pricing arrangements established with selected settlement banks to help fintechs manage liquidity and scale securely.

Among the programme’s standout features are BulkPay and PesalinkPay. BulkPay allows businesses and fintechs to send hundreds of payments instantly via a single API or web interface, making it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to process salaries, supplier payments, refunds, and loan disbursements in real time.

PesalinkPay enables merchants to receive instant, account-to-account payments, enhancing checkout experiences and giving fintechs a new payment product to offer their business customers.

The initiative also includes the Pesalink Sandbox, a developer environment where fintechs can test integrations and validate ideas safely.

This, IPSL says, will lower entry costs and reduce time-to-market for new financial products without compromising consumer protection or network stability.

Jeremy Ngunze, Board Chairman at IPSL, said, “By simplifying access and testing, Pesalink encourages more players to build on shared infrastructure rather than developing isolated systems. This strengthens interoperability, drives competition, and supports the growth of inclusive digital financial services across Kenya.”

Echoing his sentiments, IPSL Chief Executive Officer Gituku Kirika described the programme as a milestone for Kenya’s digital payments landscape.

“This is a landmark moment for Pesalink and Kenya’s digital payments ecosystem,” he said. “We’re moving beyond enabling transfers to enabling innovation. The Fintech Programme gives the sector freedom to experiment, test, and connect directly with our rails. Propositions like BulkPay and PesalinkPay turn that access into real, scalable opportunities. Our vision is to make real-time payment innovation the new normal for every fintech in Kenya.”

The Nairobi launch brought together fintech leaders, regulators, and ecosystem enablers, reflecting growing industry collaboration in the payments sector.

Over the past quarter, Pesalink has signed several partnership agreements with financial institutions and fintechs to enhance interoperability.

Kenya’s digital payments market continues to grow rapidly, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 14.1% (SDK Finance, 2024) and recognition as one of Africa’s most advanced real-time payment ecosystems (McKinsey, 2024).

IPSL believes its open-access model will set a new standard for sustainable and inclusive innovation in the region.

The Fintech Programme, IPSL said, underpins Pesalink’s broader mission: to connect fintechs, banks, and digital platforms through open, secure, and interoperable real-time rails that deliver simplicity, speed, and trust for every transaction.