Visa Launches Visa Pay in Democratic Republic of Congo to Boost Digital Payments, Financial Inclusion

Visa, the global leader in digital payments, has announced the launch of Visa Pay, a new mobile-first solution designed to expand access to secure digital payments and account-to-account money transfers across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Visa Pay offers an interoperable platform that allows both banked and unbanked consumers to pay, get paid, and move money seamlessly across participating banks and mobile networks. The service prioritises accessibility, affordability, and convenience, catering to the unique financial needs of individuals and businesses in the country.

As part of its features, Visa Pay enables near real-time money movement in both Congolese francs (CDF) and US dollars (USD). Users can also benefit from simple enrolment, advanced risk and fraud prevention, and cash in/cash out services at banks’ branches. Additionally, Visa Pay supports online transactions via virtual cards, further strengthening access to digital financial services.

The launch is being rolled out in collaboration with eight major financial institutions in the DRC: Access Banque, BGFI, Equity Bank, FBN, Sofibanque, Solidaire Banque, TMB, and UBA. Customers can access Visa Pay through a dedicated mobile app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, while banks also have the option to integrate Visa Pay features directly into their own applications.

Sophie Kafuti, General Manager for Visa DRC, said “We are excited to launch Visa Pay, an interoperable solution to scale digital payments in the country. The launch is part of our commitment to driving innovative solutions as a catalyst for greater financial inclusion, helping to provide broader access to the digital economy. Through Visa Pay, we aim to stimulate economic growth and to help establish the DRC as a regional leader in financial technology.”

The launch underscores Visa’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and digital transformation in Africa. By partnering with local banks and leveraging technology, Visa aims to unlock opportunities for individuals and businesses, stimulate economic growth, and position the DRC as an emerging hub for financial technology innovation.