Visa Pay Launches to Expand Access to Digital Payments across the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Monday 7th September 2025

By inAfrika Reporter

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, September 4, 2025 — Visa, the global leader in digital payments, has launched Visa Pay, a mobile-first and interoperable solution designed to expand access to secure digital transactions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Built to serve both banked and unbanked populations, Visa Pay enables individuals and businesses to pay, get paid and move money seamlessly across participating banks and mobile networks.

The launch positions Visa Pay as a groundbreaking step toward financial inclusion in a market where accessibility, affordability and convenience remain pressing needs. Offering near real-time account-to-account money movement in both Congolese francs (CDF) and US dollars (USD), Visa Pay provides advanced risk and fraud prevention, simple enrolment processes, and flexible integration options. Consumers can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, while banks can embed Visa Pay features directly into their own mobile applications to reach even wider user bases.

The solution has been rolled out in partnership with eight major financial institutions: Access Banque, BGFI, Equity Bank, FBN, Sofibanque, Solidaire Banque, TMB and UBA. At launch, Access Banque, FBN, Sofibanque, Solidaire Banque and UBA are already onboard, with BGFI, Equity Bank and TMB set to join shortly. Through this partnership model, Visa Pay creates an interoperable ecosystem where payments and transfers can move effortlessly across different banks, giving users the flexibility they need in both personal and business transactions.

Visa Pay also supports cash-in and cash-out at participating banks’ branches and offers a gateway to online commerce through the provision of virtual cards. These features are expected to significantly expand access to e-commerce and digital marketplaces, where many Congolese consumers and entrepreneurs have previously faced barriers.

Speaking at the launch, Sophie Kafuti, General Manager for Visa DRC, underscored the broader vision behind the product: “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 arrival of Visa Pay reflects a strong convergence between innovation and inclusion. With financial technology increasingly seen as a driver of national development, the service highlights the transformative power of digital payments to unlock economic opportunities. By blending Visa’s global expertise with deep local partnerships, the initiative aims to empower individuals and businesses in the DRC to participate more fully in the digital economy, strengthen financial resilience, and build pathways toward long-term prosperity.