In a major move set to transform digital payments in Central Africa, Visa, the global leader in digital transactions, has officially launched Visa Pay, an innovative mobile payment solution designed to make sending and receiving money easier for people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This development marks a key milestone in Visa’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and empowering both individuals and businesses across Africa.Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Visa Pay provides users with seamless access to digital payments and account-to-account money transfers. Whether you’re a small business owner, a salary earner, or a trader, the platform promises a faster, more reliable, and more secure way to manage money. To strengthen its reach, Visa has partnered with eight major financial institutions in the DRC:- Access Bank, BGFI, Equity Bank, FBN, Sofiganque, Solidaire Banque, TMB, and UBA. Through this collaboration, Visa Pay will not only be available as a stand-alone app but can also be integrated directly into these banks’ mobile platforms, offering users a familiar and flexible experience.
Driving Digital Payments and Financial Access
For years, many Congolese people have faced barriers to accessing modern financial services. Limited bank coverage, high transaction costs, and dependence on cash have slowed economic participation, especially for those in rural areas. Visa Pay aims to change that narrative by offering an interoperable, secure, and inclusive payment system that works for both banked and unbanked consumers. Users can easily enrol on the platform and enjoy near real-time money movement in two major currencies — the Congolese Franc (CDF) and the US Dollar (USD). In addition to sending and receiving money, Visa Pay also allows users to perform cash-in and cash-out transactions at participating banks’ branches. It supports virtual cards for online payments, making e-commerce and digital transactions simpler than ever before. Security remains a top priority for Visa. With advanced risk and fraud prevention tools, Visa Pay ensures every transaction is protected. The platform’s focus on affordability, accessibility, and convenience reflects Visa’s goal of using technology to bridge financial gaps and promote economic empowerment.
Empowering Growth and Inclusion Through Innovation
Speaking at the launch, Sophie Kafuti, Visa’s General Manager in the DRC, emphasized the broader vision behind Visa Pay. “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,” she said. Kafuti added that Visa Pay is expected to stimulate economic growth and position the DRC as a regional leader in financial technology. This move aligns with Visa’s larger mission to unlock opportunities for millions of Africans by making financial services more inclusive and efficient. With Visa Pay, everyday transactions from paying bills to sending money to loved ones — become simpler, faster, and safer. For the people of the DRC, this launch represents more than just a new app; it’s a step toward a future where everyone, regardless of background, can fully participate in the digital economy. As Visa continues to expand across Africa, the DRC launch signals a powerful message: the future of payments in Africa is mobile, inclusive, and empowering.
