BEAC and ProgressSoft Launch SYSTAC 2 to Modernize Payments Across Central Africa

The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) has launched SYSTAC 2, a unified regional clearing house serving the six member states of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). This modernization project, developed with ProgressSoft, signals a major shift toward ISO 20022 compliance and interoperability across a critical emerging market corridor.

What was announced

On August 3, 2026, BEAC officially transitioned to SYSTAC 2, a centralized electronic clearing infrastructure that replaces legacy systems across Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. The platform serves a total of 71 participants, including 59 commercial banks, six National Treasuries, and six BEAC National Directorates. The migration was executed through a single, region-wide cutover, ensuring all participants moved to the new system simultaneously.

Built on an Application Service Provider (ASP) model, SYSTAC 2 integrates several core ProgressSoft technologies. This includes an automated clearing house (ACH) for retail payments such as credit transfers, direct debits, and bulk payments. The suite is further bolstered by an electronic cheque clearing solution and a dedicated dispute management system. By utilizing the ASP delivery method, the infrastructure reduces the hardware and maintenance burden on individual participating banks while centralizing upgrades and security monitoring at the regional level.

A critical technical component of the launch is the adoption of the ISO 20022 messaging standard, which harmonizes clearing processes across the CEMAC zone. Looking ahead, the roadmap for SYSTAC 2 includes the integration of an interoperable instant payments platform, which will move the region from batch processing toward real-time settlement capabilities.

"The successful go-live of SYSTAC 2 represents an important step in the continued modernization of payment services within CEMAC and establishes a technological foundation for their future evolution."

ProgressSoft.

The companies involved

The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) serves as the central bank for the six nations forming the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). As a cornerstone of the regional financial system, BEAC is responsible for monetary policy and the stability of the CFA franc within the CEMAC zone. Its role extends beyond traditional central banking to the oversight and modernization of shared financial infrastructure for its member states.

ProgressSoft is a global provider of real-time payment solutions and financial software. The company specializes in central bank digital currencies (CBDC), automated clearing houses, and electronic check clearing systems. With a significant footprint in the Middle East and Africa, ProgressSoft focuses on migrating national payment systems to modern standards like ISO 20022. The company’s involvement in the SYSTAC 2 project highlights its role as a technical partner for central banks looking to unify disparate national banking environments into cohesive regional networks. Natalie Katje serves as the Brand & PR Director at ProgressSoft, overseeing the firm's global communications strategy.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has previously tracked ProgressSoft’s expanding influence in the global fintech ecosystem. The company was recently recognized for its industry contributions, appearing in our coverage of The Finalists Announced for the 2025 FF Awards and subsequently in FF Awards 2025 - The Results Are in! Congratulations to All the Winners!. Beyond awards, we have reported on the firm’s strategic partnerships, notably when Fintech Galaxy and ProgressSoft Join Forces to Advance Open Banking in MENA. Our coverage of regional infrastructure shifts also includes reports on major institutional upgrades, such as when ADIB Becomes the First Islamic Bank to Adopt Swift’s Alliance Cloud Platform.

What this means

The launch of SYSTAC 2 is a decisive move to eliminate the fragmentation that has historically hindered cross-border trade within the CEMAC region. By mandating a single cutover for 71 participants, BEAC has bypassed the "wait-and-see" approach that often stalls regional integration. The shift to ISO 20022 is the real story here; it brings Central Africa into alignment with global data standards, making the region far more attractive for international correspondent banking and fintech investment. Competitors in the regional payment space should take note: the move toward an interoperable instant payments platform suggests that the era of slow, opaque retail clearing in Central Africa is coming to an end.