Visa has introduced Visa Pay in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a mobile-first solution designed to improve access to digital payments and money transfers. The service is aimed at both banked and unbanked consumers, offering a secure and interoperable platform for transactions across participating banks and mobile networks. With this launch, Visa is extending its digital payment ecosystem to support wider financial inclusion in a country where access to traditional financial services remains limited.
Visa Pay is designed with accessibility, affordability, and convenience at its core, providing individuals and businesses with a seamless way to make payments, receive funds, and conduct account-to-account money movement in two major currencies – Congolese Franc (CDF) and US Dollar (USD). The platform supports near real-time transfers, advanced fraud prevention features, and cash-in or cash-out transactions at participating bank branches. It also enables virtual card usage, allowing customers to carry out secure online payments without the need for a physical card. By integrating digital payment solutions into everyday transactions, Visa aims to address financial gaps while offering flexibility to both consumers and enterprises.
To ensure adoption at scale, Visa Pay is launching in partnership with eight leading financial institutions in the country: Access Bank, BGFI, Equity Bank, FBN, Sofibanque, Solidaire Banque, TMB, and UBA. Customers can access the service directly through the Visa Pay mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Banks are also provided with the option to integrate Visa Pay features into their own applications, giving them flexibility to embed digital services without requiring separate apps. This dual approach aims to expand availability and drive convenience for users while strengthening collaboration across the financial sector.
Speaking on the launch, Sophie Kafuti, General Manager of Visa DRC, emphasized the importance of interoperability in scaling digital payment adoption. She noted that Visa Pay is part of the company’s commitment to offering innovative financial solutions that promote financial inclusion and broaden participation in the digital economy. The platform is expected to contribute not only to greater efficiency in payments but also to long-term economic growth by enabling individuals and businesses to access new opportunities through secure and reliable digital services.
The rollout of Visa Pay in DRC reflects Visa’s wider strategy of leveraging technology and local partnerships to strengthen digital ecosystems across Africa. By enabling both consumers and businesses to participate more actively in digital transactions, Visa is positioning itself as a key player in supporting financial development in the region. This initiative underlines the growing importance of fintech-driven solutions in transforming access to financial services in emerging economies.
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