Africa’s instant payment systems (IPS) landscape remains largely dominated by cross-domain systems, with 18 of the 36 domestic and regional IPS classified as cross-domain, according to the State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2025 report. This focus note examines non-bank participation in inclusive instant payment systems (IIPS) as a key enabler of financial inclusion across Africa. It draws on insights from payment system practitioners and fintech association leaders in Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and outlines implications for ecosystem stakeholders. The AfricaNenda Foundation and the Allaince of Digital Finance and Fintech Associations (AllianceDFA) sincerely acknowledge the national fintech associations and industry representatives who contributed to this work. We particularly recognize the fintech associations in Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe for their participation in the September 2025 roundtable on advancing non-bank participation in inclusive instant payment systems across Africa.