Namibia to Adopt India’s UPI System for Real-Time Digital Payments Soon

Namibia is set to become the first African country to implement India’s highly successful Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for real-time digital transactions. This initiative follows a technology licensing agreement signed in April 2024 between the Bank of Namibia and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

UPI Rollout to Boost Indo-Namibian Digital Cooperation

The digital payments platform UPI is scheduled to go live in Namibia later in 2025. This milestone was reaffirmed during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on July 9, 2025. In their discussion, both leaders highlighted key areas for collaboration, including digital technology, clean energy and trade. This step cements India’s strategic digital outreach in Africa through trusted tech transfers.

India’s UPI Success Model Being Exported

India’s UPI processed over 13 billion transactions worth ₹20.45 lakh crore in June 2025 alone. The system enables instant fund transfers through mobile platforms, serving both urban and rural users. Its scalability and security have made it a flagship project of India’s digital economy. Namibia intends to replicate this model to reduce cash usage, extend financial inclusion and strengthen its e-payment infrastructure.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Beyond Finance

Beyond digital payments, the Indo-Namibian partnership now extends to critical areas like agriculture, healthcare, education and security. PM Modi also acknowledged Namibia’s continued support of Project Cheetah, a wildlife conservation venture. These multipronged collaborations show the growing depth of ties between the two nations.

Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Adopts India’s BHIM UPI App, Becomes First in Caribbean!

Potential Impact on Namibia’s Economy and Businesses

Bringing in UPI can revolutionise how Namibians transact daily, especially in remote or underserved areas. The system enables safe, real-time payments with minimal infrastructure, empowering small businesses and reducing dependency on cash transactions. This move may also serve as a model for digital monetary systems across other African economies.

Conclusion

Namibia’s adoption of India's UPI signals a transformative phase in Africa-India tech collaboration. By embracing a proven payment system, Namibia is not only bolstering its financial infrastructure but also setting an example for digital progress in developing economies.

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