Cross-border payments are becoming an increasingly important enabler of economic participation across Africa, as greater mobility, digital connectivity, and regional trade drive demand for faster, more affordable and accessible ways to move money across borders.
FNB Globba™ enables customers to send money to 120+ countries, including 30+ African destinations, through bank accounts, digital wallets, and cash collection networks. By offering multiple payout options, Globba™ provides a convenient and accessible cross-border payments solution and remittances network. This helps customers to support their loved ones by allowing them to receive funds in a way that is most convenient for them including many preferred cash payout providers or mobile wallet providers in the recipient’s country.
Beyond growing transaction volumes, customer behaviour also points to increasing confidence in digital cross-border payments and the Globba™ solution. Globba™ transaction volumes continue to grow, reflecting increasing customer adoption and demand for convenient digital payment solutions available through the FNB App and Online Banking. As of the end of July 2026, over 90% of the Globba™ transaction turnover across African corridors was delivered through digital payouts, demonstrating a strong preference for direct-to-wallet and account-based payment options.
These trends highlight a growing preference for mobile-first financial solutions that offer speed, simplicity and accessibility,” says Richard Porter, CEO of FNB Foreign Exchange. “While digital payouts account for the majority of transaction turnover, cash collection remains an important service for many customers, which is why access to extensive cash collection networks continues to form part of the Globba™ proposition.
Historically, cross-border payments have often been characterised by high costs, lengthy processing times and complex processes. However, ongoing advances in digital payments infrastructure are helping to address these challenges, enabling individuals to move money more efficiently and at a lower cost.
The benefits extend beyond convenience. Improved cross-border payment infrastructure has the potential to support greater financial inclusion, facilitate economic participation, and strengthen connections between individuals, families across multiple countries.
A key driver of this transformation is interoperability which is the ability for banks, mobile wallets and cash networks to connect and operate seamlessly. Greater interoperability enables customers to move money across different platforms and providers with minimal friction, creating a more inclusive and connected financial ecosystem.
As Africa’s digital economy continues to evolve, the future of cross-border payments is expected to be defined by simplicity, speed and convenience. The most effective solutions will increasingly operate seamlessly in the background, allowing customers to send and receive money with confidence and ease.
Ultimately, the evolution of cross-border payments reflects a broader reality: financial inclusion starts with access. In a continent where the movement of people, goods and opportunities continues to accelerate, the ability to move money quickly, securely and affordably is becoming essential to economic participation.
