The Interbank Electronic Payment Center will now have a few extra months to complete its exit from the merchant acquiring market. Originally scheduled for October 31, 2025, the withdrawal will now take place gradually through the spring of the following year. This extension comes after the Competition Council approved a formal request to delay the process.
According to a newly released decision, the Council granted the Center’s appeal to push back the timeline for transferring its merchant contracts to card payment systems. Contracts involving government agencies and public institutions must now be handed over by April 30, 2026. For all other merchants, the new deadline has been set for January 31, 2026.
The extension was granted based on several factors cited by the Center, including the administrative complexity of securing necessary approvals and the country’s large-scale mobilization for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Authorities aim to prevent any disruptions in electronic payment services during the high-demand tournament period.
Despite stepping away from the acquiring business, the Center will remain active as an open, neutral technical platform available to all acquirers. This move is in line with the commitments outlined in Decision No. 152/D/2024 issued by the Council, which is designed to promote a more competitive market and open the door for new players—particularly among emerging Payment Institutions.
To ensure compliance with the updated deadlines, the Competition Council has introduced a daily penalty for any delays. It also pledged to closely monitor the transition to uphold fair competition and ensure a smooth shift in market operations.
The Interbank Electronic Payment Center will now have a few extra months to complete its exit from the merchant acquiring market. Originally scheduled for October 31, 2025, the withdrawal will now take place gradually through the spring of the following year. This extension comes after the Competition Council approved a formal request to delay the process.
According to a newly released decision, the Council granted the Center’s appeal to push back the timeline for transferring its merchant contracts to card payment systems. Contracts involving government agencies and public institutions must now be handed over by April 30, 2026. For all other merchants, the new deadline has been set for January 31, 2026.
The extension was granted based on several factors cited by the Center, including the administrative complexity of securing necessary approvals and the country’s large-scale mobilization for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Authorities aim to prevent any disruptions in electronic payment services during the high-demand tournament period.
Despite stepping away from the acquiring business, the Center will remain active as an open, neutral technical platform available to all acquirers. This move is in line with the commitments outlined in Decision No. 152/D/2024 issued by the Council, which is designed to promote a more competitive market and open the door for new players—particularly among emerging Payment Institutions.
To ensure compliance with the updated deadlines, the Competition Council has introduced a daily penalty for any delays. It also pledged to closely monitor the transition to uphold fair competition and ensure a smooth shift in market operations.
