SBP Accelerator Programme: Powerful 16-Week Boost for Digital Payments
The SBP accelerator programme has officially begun. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the Mojaloop Country Accelerator Program for Pakistan in partnership with the Mojaloop Foundation. The goal is to strengthen the country’s financial technology ecosystem and build local expertise in digital payment infrastructure.
What the SBP Accelerator Programme Offers
The programme runs for 16 weeks, from November 2026 to February 2027. It combines self-paced learning with expert-led sessions, so participants can study at their own pace while still getting direct guidance.
It is designed for three groups:
- Local system implementers
- Digital financial service providers
- Payment-hub operators
Participants will also join the Mojaloop technical community. That supports continued learning and helps institutions apply global best practices to Pakistan’s evolving payments landscape.
The Role of the Mojaloop Foundation
The Mojaloop Foundation is a non-profit organisation that maintains the Mojaloop open-source payment software. It is supporting the accelerator through programme design and technical training.
First Initiative of the SBP Innovation Hub
The accelerator is the first initiative under the Collaboration Framework of the SBP Innovation Hub. Both were launched at an inauguration ceremony held at SBP Karachi.
The Innovation Hub was established under SBP Vision 2028. It provides a platform for structured engagement with the financial technology ecosystem. The Framework supports capacity building, knowledge exchange and ecosystem development through non-exclusive, technology-neutral and provider-neutral partnerships.
Who Attended the Launch
The ceremony brought together a wide cross-section of the sector. Attendees included:
- SBP leadership
- Representatives of the Mojaloop Foundation
- Senior representatives of banks and financial institutions
- Technology firms and fintechs
- Academia
What the SBP Said
Addressing the ceremony, SBP Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah described the accelerator as an important opportunity to strengthen Pakistan’s financial technology ecosystem. He noted that the initiative will connect local talent with global expertise, enabling Pakistani institutions to turn innovative ideas into practical payment solutions.
He also expressed confidence that the collaboration will promote innovation, strengthen local technical capabilities and expand access to digital financial services.
Why This Matters for Pakistan’s Payments Sector
Building skills at home is a practical way to improve the payments system. Instead of relying only on outside expertise, local implementers and operators gain hands-on knowledge of the infrastructure they will work with.
The initiative also reflects the SBP’s commitment to responsible innovation, a stronger digital payments ecosystem and greater financial inclusion. The central bank links these goals to inclusive economic growth.
Final Thoughts
The SBP accelerator programme gives Pakistan’s payments community a structured, 16-week path to build technical skills and connect with a global open-source network. With learning running from November 2026 to February 2027, the next few months will show how local talent turns that training into real payment solutions.
