KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sept. 21, 2026 (XOL Africa) — Visa has named Congolese music star Fally Ipupa as the brand ambassador for its Visa Pay digital payments platform in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the payments company seeks to expand cashless transactions in one of Africa’s largest economies.
The partnership, announced Monday in Kinshasa, brings one of the continent’s best-known musicians into Visa’s efforts to increase adoption of digital payments and support financial inclusion in the country.
Visa Pay, launched in the DRC in September 2025, allows users to make payments, receive money and transfer funds through a mobile application. The service is also integrated into the applications of participating banks, mobile operators and fintech companies.
The partnership comes as the Central Bank of Congo pursues a 2027 agenda aimed at reducing reliance on cash and expanding digital financial services.
Ipupa will promote Visa Pay through consumer campaigns, digital content, public appearances and community initiatives.
“Mr. Fally Ipupa embodies innovation, ambition and progress, values that are deeply aligned with Visa’s mission to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid,” said Sophie Kafuti, Visa’s managing director for the DRC.
Kafuti said Ipupa’s influence extended beyond music and could help Visa connect digital payments with Africa’s growing creative economy.
“Together, we will help more consumers discover how simple, secure and convenient digital payments can be, while strengthening Visa’s engagement with Africa’s creative economy,” she said.
Ipupa said the partnership could encourage more Congolese consumers to participate in the digital economy.
“Music has always been about bringing people together, creating opportunities and inspiring people to dream bigger,” Ipupa said. “I see the same potential in digital innovation.”
Visa Pay is currently available through Access Bank, Sofibanque, Solidaire Banque and UBA, allowing customers of participating institutions to open accounts and receive a free digital Visa card through the Visa Pay application.
Customers of Trust Merchant Bank’s Pepele service can also access Visa Pay through the Pepele application. Visa said several other financial institutions are integrating the platform.
The service allows users to pay online with a digital Visa card and transfer money to other Visa Pay users using registered mobile numbers rather than bank account details.
Users with eligible smartphones can also make contactless payments at supported terminals, potentially reducing the need for cash or physical payment cards.
The expansion of digital payments is part of a broader push by African banks, fintech companies and mobile operators to increase financial inclusion and reduce dependence on cash.
For Visa, the partnership also represents an effort to connect its payments technology with Africa’s expanding entertainment and creator economy, using cultural influence to promote digital financial services.
Visa said it plans to continue investing in payment solutions for consumers, merchants, mobile operators and financial institutions across Africa.
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