“Mobile money has become one of the world’s most impactful financial services,” stated Vivek Badrinath, highlighting the transformative nature of this sector.
The mobile money industry is poised to reach an impressive $2 trillion in annual transaction volume by 2025. This growth underscores the increasing reliance on digital financial solutions, particularly in regions like Africa.
In 2025, Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the majority of the 268 million new registered accounts added globally, reflecting the region’s pioneering role in mobile money services. The total number of registered mobile money accounts worldwide is projected to reach 2.3 billion.
Monthly active accounts have also shown significant growth, increasing by 15 percent to 593 million in 2025. However, it is notable that nearly three-quarters of all registered accounts globally remain inactive every month, indicating a challenge for providers in engaging users.
The mobile money landscape is evolving, with a one-third increase in the number of providers offering insurance products. This diversification is a response to the growing demand for comprehensive financial services.
Despite the positive trends, women continue to face barriers in accessing mobile money services, as they are less likely than men to hold an account in seven out of ten countries surveyed.
Moreover, over 60 percent of mobile money providers reported that interoperability requirements and consumer protection regulations have supported their operations, suggesting that regulatory frameworks are crucial for the industry’s growth.
However, cross-border data transfer rules are emerging as a constraint for nearly a quarter of mobile money providers, posing potential challenges for future expansion.
Mobile money has played a vital role in facilitating rapid cash transfers to displaced populations and crisis-affected communities in Africa, demonstrating its importance in times of need.
As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely monitoring these developments to understand their implications for financial inclusion and economic growth.
Details remain unconfirmed.
