KARACHI, November 4, 2026: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a Mojaloop Country Accelerator Programme to strengthen local expertise in digital payment infrastructure and support the development of financial technology services.
The initiative was inaugurated on November 3 at the central bank’s Karachi headquarters alongside a new collaboration framework for the SBP Innovation Hub.
Representatives of the Mojaloop Foundation, commercial banks, financial institutions, technology companies, fintech firms and academic institutions attended the launch.
A 16-Week Programme for Payment Technology
The accelerator has been developed in partnership with the Mojaloop Foundation, a non-profit organisation responsible for maintaining Mojaloop’s open-source payment software.
Running from November 2026 to February 2027, the 16-week programme combines self-paced learning with training sessions led by technical experts.
It is designed for organisations and professionals involved in developing, implementing and operating digital payment systems, including payment service providers and payment-hub operators.
Participants will receive technical training and opportunities to engage with the wider Mojaloop developer community.
The programme aims to strengthen local capacity to design and implement payment infrastructure using internationally developed open-source technology.
Innovation Hub Collaboration Framework Introduced
The accelerator is the first initiative launched under the SBP Innovation Hub’s new Collaboration Framework.
Established as part of SBP Vision 2028, the Innovation Hub provides a platform for engagement between regulators, financial institutions, technology providers and other participants in the financial services industry.
The framework is intended to support knowledge sharing, professional development and cooperation across Pakistan’s financial technology sector.
According to the central bank, its partnerships will be non-exclusive, technology-neutral and provider-neutral, allowing different organisations and technologies to participate in the development of financial services.
Focus on Local Expertise and Financial Inclusion
Speaking at the launch, SBP Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah said the programme would help connect Pakistani technology professionals with international expertise.
He highlighted the opportunity for local institutions to develop practical payment solutions while building technical capabilities within the country.
The central bank expects the initiative to contribute to financial innovation and expand access to digital financial services.
Mojaloop technology is designed to support interoperability between digital financial systems, allowing different providers to connect through shared payment infrastructure.
However, the accelerator is primarily a training and capacity-building initiative. Its launch does not itself represent the introduction of a new consumer payment application or an immediate change to existing banking services.
The programme forms part of the State Bank’s broader efforts to encourage responsible innovation, strengthen digital payment infrastructure and improve financial inclusion in Pakistan.