The SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system processed 152,152,660 transactions worth E 218,56 billion in August 2025, reinforcing its role as a crucial backbone for cross-border payments across the region.
This was revealed by the Central Bank of Eswatini’s (CBE) Deputy Director of Operations, Sabelo Gama, during the SADC- RTGS User Group Conference held at the Central Bank of Eswatini Headquarters in Ezulwini under the theme “Embracing New Frontiers in the SADC- RTGS Community.”
This was revealed by the Central Bank of Eswatini’s (CBE) Deputy Director of Operations, Sabelo Gama, during the SADC- RTGS User Group Conference held at the Central Bank of Eswatini Headquarters in Ezulwini under the theme “Embracing New Frontiers in the SADC- RTGS Community.”
The system connects 15 member states and 87 banks (including central banks) and handles high-value interbank payments, allowing funds to move efficiently between commercial banks and central banks across Southern Africa. On average, 5,872 transactions are processed daily, totaling E 8.41 billion.
Gama added that since its inception, the RTGS system has settled a total of 5,478,841 transactions, amounting to E17.56 trillion (approximately USD 989, 49 billion / EUR 846,81 billion). The system’s peak monthly volume occurred in October 2024 with 183,183,013 transactions, while the highest monthly value of E 260,52 billion was recorded in January 2025.
The RTGS also supports other payment schemes, such as the TCIB payments scheme, which recorded 248 transactions valued at E 322.64 million in August 2025.
Currently, most payments are processed using the South African rand (ZAR). Discussions at the ongoing SADC- RTGS User Conference include the introduction of multi-currency processing, including the U.S. dollar and other SADC member currencies, to enhance flexibility for businesses and individuals.
”The system is not only about large banks or businesses; it directly impacts anyone involved in regional trade, making payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable,” Gama noted.