Which countries are in the WAEMU zone?

The 8 WAEMU countries are: Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Niger, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau. They all share the CFA franc (XOF), meaning no currency conversion is needed for transfers within the zone.

Is Wave included in the free transfers?

Wave was not part of the initial PI-SPI launch in October 2025, but the BCEAO has confirmed it will join in a later phase. Currently, free transfers are available via Orange Money and MTN MoMo.

Are there any exceptions to the free transfers?

Yes, two notable exceptions: (1) Mali charges a 1% infrastructure levy on all mobile money transactions including received transfers. (2) Togo applies a 10% tax on transaction fees (reduced from 18% in January 2024). Business transfers may also carry fees separate from PI-SPI.

🎉 New since Oct 2025

WAEMU Zone - Free Money Transfers

Q: Are WAEMU transfers really free?

Yes. Since September 30, 2025, the BCEAO launched its Interoperable Instant Payment System (PI-SPI). Individual transfers between all 8 WAEMU countries are now free via Orange Money and MTN MoMo. Wave will join in a later phase.

The BCEAO launched PI-SPI on September 30, 2025: individual transfers between all 8 CFA franc countries are now instant and free.

🇸🇳Senegal

🇨🇮Côte d'Ivoire

🇲🇱Mali

🇧🇫Burkina Faso

🇧🇯Benin

🇳🇪Niger

🇹🇬Togo

🇬🇼Guinea-Bissau

What is PI-SPI?

The Interoperable Instant Payment Platform (PI-SPI) is the regional payment system launched by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) on September 30, 2025. It ends proprietary silos — an Orange Money customer in Senegal can now send money directly to an MTN MoMo account in Côte d'Ivoire, with no intermediary and no fee for individuals.

WAEMU Zone - Free Money Transfers

What is PI-SPI?

All WAEMU Corridors

Frequently Asked Questions