Unlocking Africa's Financial Future: Visa, Onafriq, and the Cross-Border Payment Revolution

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has long been a paradox: a nation rich in natural resources yet constrained by weak financial infrastructure. Now, a strategic partnership between global payment giant Visa and African fintech leader Onafriq is reshaping the landscape. By launching Visa Pay—a cross-border payment solution that bridges card networks and mobile money systems—the duo is addressing a critical gap in Africa's financial ecosystem. This initiative, part of Onafriq's broader “network of networks” strategy, connects over 320 million mobile money wallets across 35+ African countries, including the DRC Africa's Largest Digital Payments Gateway | Onafriq, [https://onafriq.com/]^[1]. For investors, the collaboration underscores a pivotal shift in fintech expansion, where interoperability and digital infrastructure are no longer just buzzwords but foundational to economic inclusion.

The Infrastructure Gap and the Role of Interoperability

Africa's financial inclusion challenges are well-documented. According to the World Bank's Global Findex Database 2025, while 40% of adults in developing economies now save in financial accounts, significant disparities persist in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to identity documentation and digital literacy remain barriers The Global Findex Database 2025 - World Bank Group, [https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex]^[3]. Cross-border payment systems, in particular, have been plagued by high costs and fragmented infrastructure. For instance, sending $200 from the DRC to neighboring countries often incurs fees exceeding 10%, stifling trade and remittances.

Visa and Onafriq's solution aims to disrupt this status quo. By enabling seamless transactions between cardholders and mobile money users, the partnership reduces friction in cross-border commerce. For example, a Congolese exporter can now receive payments from Nigerian buyers via mobile money without converting to cash or navigating multiple intermediaries. This interoperability aligns with the World Bank's emphasis on modernizing digital payment systems to reduce costs and foster economic resilience ^[4].

Financial Inclusion as a Catalyst for Growth

The implications for financial inclusion are profound. Onafriq's platform already serves as a backbone for mobile money in countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. By extending its reach to the DRC—a nation with a population of 110 million, where less than 30% of adults have bank accounts—the partnership could unlock new markets for formal financial services. As stated by the World Bank Group, digital infrastructure is not just about convenience; it's about creating ecosystems where small businesses can thrive. For instance, DRC-based SMEs can now access credit or insurance products tied to their digital transaction histories, a critical step toward formalizing informal economies ^[4].

Moreover, the initiative aligns with broader fintech trends in Africa. The continent's mobile money sector, valued at over $140 billion in 2025, is increasingly driven by cross-border solutions. By 2025, mobile money transactions across Africa are projected to grow by 15% annually, with interoperable platforms like Onafriq's playing a central role ^[4]. For Visa, this partnership represents a strategic pivot into Africa's digital frontier, where mobile money adoption outpaces traditional banking.

Risks and the Road Ahead

Despite the promise, challenges persist. Regulatory fragmentation across African countries complicates cross-border operations, and trust in digital systems remains uneven. The World Bank notes that while 70% of unbanked Africans own mobile phones, only 30% use them for financial transactions—a gap rooted in concerns over security and literacy ^[4]. For Visa and Onafriq, success will depend on partnerships with local governments and NGOs to build trust and education programs.

Conclusion: A Win for Investors and the Continent

For investors, the Visa-Onafriq partnership in the DRC is more than a corporate collaboration—it's a case study in how cross-border payment infrastructure can drive financial inclusion and economic growth. As the World Bank highlights, every 10% increase in digital payment adoption correlates with a 1.2% rise in GDP per capita in developing economies ^[4]. By addressing interoperability and reducing transaction costs, Visa and Onafriq are not just serving a niche market; they're laying the groundwork for a more integrated African economy.

The road ahead is not without hurdles, but the potential rewards are clear. For a continent where mobile money is already a lifeline for millions, the next frontier lies in connecting those lifelines across borders.