Access Bank has announced that Nigerians will be able to transfer money to other African countries without paying outbound transfer charges for transactions processed through its Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

The initiative, which runs from February 1 to April 30, 2026, is designed to promote the adoption of local currency transactions across Africa. During the period, customers can send funds from Nigeria in naira, while recipients in other African countries receive the money in their respective local currencies—at no outbound transfer cost.

The fee waiver covers payments made through the Access Africa platform on the bank’s digital channels as well as at its branches nationwide. The move is expected to ease the financial burden of cross-border transactions for individuals and businesses engaged in trade, remittances, tuition payments, and family support within the continent.

PAPSS is a pan-African payments infrastructure that facilitates instant transfers between African countries without the need to convert funds into foreign currencies such as the US dollar. By enabling settlements in local currencies, the system aims to cut transaction costs, shorten settlement timelines, and reduce pressure on foreign exchange linked to intra-African trade.

Aminat Olatunji, Unit Head, Remittances at Access Bank, said the campaign seeks to eliminate cost-related obstacles associated with sending money across African borders.

“We want customers to realise that transferring money within Africa can be simple and affordable. With this campaign, you send in naira, the beneficiary receives in their local currency, and there’s no outbound fee. It’s straightforward,” she said.

Olatunji added that the bank’s priority is to drive actual usage of the platform rather than focus solely on awareness.

“When customers experience how seamless it is, they appreciate its value. That’s how we strengthen trust in PAPSS and expand Africa’s payments ecosystem,” she noted.

She explained that the campaign aligns with ongoing efforts by African financial institutions and regulators to boost PAPSS adoption under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to enhance intra-African trade by removing non-tariff barriers, including payment and settlement challenges.

Access Bank also said it will provide guidance to customers on how to use PAPSS through its online platforms and physical branches as part of the rollout.