The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s central bank, on Tuesday launched the collaboration framework of the SBP Innovation Hub at its Karachi premises. Set up under SBP Vision 2028, the hub is meant as a structured channel for work with the financial technology sector. Its first project under the new framework is the Mojaloop Country Accelerator Programme for Pakistan, opened with the Mojaloop Foundation.
What the framework is meant to do
SBP said the framework backs capacity building, knowledge sharing and wider ecosystem development. Partnerships under it are described as non-exclusive, technology-neutral and provider-neutral, so no single vendor or technology is locked in as the official path. The Karachi inauguration brought together SBP leadership, Mojaloop Foundation representatives, and senior figures from banks, other financial institutions, technology firms, fintechs and universities.
Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah called the accelerator an important chance to strengthen Pakistan’s financial technology ecosystem. He said it would connect local talent with global expertise so Pakistani institutions can turn ideas into workable payment solutions, and that he expects the tie-up to support innovation, local technical skills and broader access to digital financial services.
Inside the Mojaloop Accelerator
The Mojaloop Foundation is a non-profit that maintains the Mojaloop open-source payment software. It is helping with programme design and technical training. The course lasts 16 weeks, from November 2026 to February 2027, and mixes self-paced study with expert-led sessions.
It is aimed at local system implementers, digital financial service providers and payment-hub operators, with a focus on digital payment infrastructure skills. Participants are also to join the Mojaloop technical community for ongoing learning and to apply global practice to Pakistan’s payments market. SBP framed the step as part of responsible innovation, a stronger digital payments setup and greater financial inclusion tied to inclusive growth.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- Tuesday: SBP launches the SBP Innovation Hub collaboration framework in Karachi.
- Tuesday: The Mojaloop Country Accelerator Programme for Pakistan is inaugurated with the Mojaloop Foundation.
- November 2026: The 16-week accelerator is scheduled to begin.
- February 2027: The programme is scheduled to end.
Aasan alfaaz mein
State Bank of Pakistan ne Karachi mein SBP Innovation Hub ka collaboration framework launch kiya hai. Pehla project Mojaloop Accelerator Programme hai, jo November 2026 se February 2027 tak 16 hafte chalega. Yeh training banks, fintechs aur payment-hub operators jaise institutions ke liye hai. Is khabar mein aam customers ke liye koi naya fee schedule ya seedha enrol ka tareeqa nahi bataya gaya.
