UPI's Global Expansion: India’s Digital Payment System Set to Launch in Africa and South America - Read Now

In India, every second person is using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and its influence is now extending beyond borders. Several countries are beginning to adopt India’s digital payment system, with Africa and South America being the next targets for UPI’s expansion. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has entered into an agreement with the foreign company NIPL to develop a UPI-like system in collaboration with the central banks of Peru and Namibia.

UPI Launch Timeline in New Markets

According to media reports, NIPL CEO Ritesh Shukla has revealed that they are ready to provide the blueprint for UPI to several countries in Africa and South America. The launch of UPI in Peru and Namibia is expected as early as 2027. The NPCI, which operates UPI in India, has been instrumental in this international outreach. In August alone, UPI recorded a staggering 15 billion transactions in India.

NIPL: Bridging UPI’s Global Reach

To facilitate the global rollout of UPI, the NPCI established NIPL. Reports suggest that NIPL is currently in discussions with 20 countries in Africa and South America regarding the adoption of UPI. The agreement with the central banks of Peru and Namibia was finalized earlier this year, with both banks set to launch their UPI-like systems by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Sources indicate that discussions are also underway with Rwanda about integrating UPI. With this expansion, NIPL is expected to increase its workforce in the coming year to support its initiatives.