Angola's kwanza joins SADC regional payment system to boost cross-border trade

Angola has taken a significant step toward regional financial integration by introducing the kwanza as a settlement currency within the Southern African Development Community's real-time gross settlement (SADC-RTGS) system. The move was announced by South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) Governor Lesetja Kganyago, who also chairs the SADC Committee of Central Bank Governors, along with Banco Nacional de Angola Governor Manuel Tiago Dias. This marks the first time the Angolan currency has been formally included in the system, which facilitates cross-border payments among SADC member states. The SADC-RTGS system, formerly known as SIRESS, is an automated interbank settlement platform operated by the Sarb on behalf of the SADC Committee of Central Bank Governors. It enables direct settlement of transactions in multiple currencies, streamlining trade and financial activity across the region. With the kwanza now accepted as a settlement currency, the system now includes two national currencies, South Africa’s rand and Angola’s kwanza, after operating primarily with the rand since its launch in 2013. The platform currently serves 15 SADC member states, supporting trade and interbank transactions that span nine different currencies. The inclusion of the kwanza into the SADC-RTGS system aims to enhance regional financial cooperation and reduce dependency on foreign currencies for cross-border transactions. By allowing direct settlements in kwanza, businesses and financial institutions in Angola can avoid the need for costly foreign currency conversions, thereby lowering transaction costs and increasing payment efficiency. This is particularly beneficial for firms engaged in trade with other SADC countries, where they previously had to navigate complex currency exchange mechanisms. Kganyago emphasized that the move represents a meaningful advancement in regional financial integration. He noted that the introduction of the kwanza is not merely an administrative change but a strategic initiative that fosters a more interconnected Southern Africa. “This is a practical step towards a Southern Africa that is more integrated, more connected and better able to support trade, investment, financial stability and shared prosperity,” he stated. The governor highlighted the importance of such measures in aligning with global standards, such as the Group of Twenty’s (G20) objectives to improve the speed, cost-effectiveness, and reliability of cross-border payments. The SADC-RTGS system, now in its 13th year of operation, processes over R250.7 billion in monthly transactions. In 2025 alone, trade and interbank transactions between Angola and the other 14 SADC member states totaled approximately $3.77 billion, with South Africa accounting for nearly $2.99 billion of these flows. These figures underscore the growing economic ties between Angola and its neighbors, especially given that South Africa represents roughly 60% of transaction volumes and 79% of their total value. The Sarb has outlined plans to further expand the system’s capabilities by incorporating additional regional currencies, such as the Botswana pula, in the coming months. This expansion reflects a broader effort to promote the use of local and regional currencies in international trade, thereby enhancing financial resilience and fostering economic collaboration. The central bank also stressed that the system contributes to economic growth by minimizing payment barriers, securing transactions through central bank oversight, and reducing the reliance on external financial intermediaries. As the SADC-RTGS continues to evolve, the inclusion of the kwanza signals a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward greater financial unity. This development not only strengthens economic ties between Angola and its neighbors but also sets a precedent for future enhancements in regional financial infrastructure.