Rwanda has achieved a major milestone in securing its digital financial ecosystem, with reported cases of digital payment fraud falling by 60 percent in 2025, according to the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR). The central bank shared the figures during a joint press briefing by its Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Stability Committee on February 2.
Reported incidents fell from roughly 5,000 in December 2024 to around 3,000 in 2025, with mobile money transactions remaining the primary driver of fraud. The decline comes as Rwanda pushes forward with digital financial inclusion and increasingly cashless payment solutions, which have become central to the country’s economic growth and financial innovation.
BNR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said the decline was the result of coordinated measures by the central bank, security agencies, and payment service providers. “We have observed a significant reduction in fraud linked to digital payments thanks to joint efforts and preventive measures,” she said, adding that Rwanda’s multi-stakeholder approach has been crucial.
One such initiative is the Fraud Prevention Forum, a platform that brings together regulators, law enforcement, and service providers to monitor fraud patterns and implement targeted interventions. “By tracking the root causes of fraud, we can prevent incidents before they escalate,” Hakuziyaremye said.
Public awareness campaigns have been a major factor in reducing fraud. Moise Bigirimana, BNR’s Financial Inclusion and Education Manager, pointed to initiatives such as the Bimamatwi campaign and other cashless payment education programmes. These initiatives aim to equip users with the knowledge to spot and avoid fraudulent schemes, especially as fraudsters constantly adapt their tactics.
For ordinary Rwandans, the campaigns have been practical and life-saving. “I almost lost RWF 50,000 to a mobile money scam last year, but the Bimamatwi campaign taught me to check the merchant code and confirm transactions,” said a Kigali resident who requested anonymity.
Rwanda’s approach has caught the attention of fintech and cybersecurity experts across Africa. Njeri Mwangi, a Nairobi-based fintech consultant, said: “Rwanda’s success demonstrates that combining regulation, supervision, and consumer education is essential for securing digital financial services. Other countries in the region facing growing fraud could replicate this model to protect consumers and build trust in mobile money.”
As mobile money continues to expand rapidly across the continent, Rwanda’s example underscores the importance of proactive measures. According to regional data, East African nations continue to grapple with high fraud rates, which often erode trust in digital payments and slow financial inclusion efforts.
Despite the positive trend, challenges remain. Mobile money refund mechanisms are complex and can be exploited if not carefully managed. Governor Hakuziyaremye explained that automatic refunds are not fully implemented to prevent misuse, such as cases where users claim accidental transfers after receiving goods. Some disputes still require investigation or legal action, particularly when recipients refuse to return funds sent in error.
“If we allowed unrestricted automatic refunds, it could be abused. The current system requires confirmation from recipients, which balances fairness with security,” she said.
The decline in digital payment fraud demonstrates Rwanda’s growing resilience in its digital economy. By strengthening IT systems across payment service providers and maintaining a strong regulatory framework, the country is creating a secure environment for both consumers and businesses.
As more African countries adopt mobile money and digital payments, Rwanda’s model may serve as a blueprint for the continent. Its combination of regulatory oversight, public education, and multi-stakeholder collaboration highlights how emerging economies can protect users, promote trust, and encourage financial innovation.
“The lessons from Rwanda show that fraud prevention is not just about technology, but also awareness, cooperation, and strong regulation. It is a model worth replicating across Africa,” said Mwangi.
