Multiple fintech companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are teaming up with the government to establish the Congolese Fintech Network (CFN), aimed at enhancing financial inclusion, facilitating industry collaboration, and expanding investment opportunities.
Joel Tshilumba, a CFN board member, emphasized the pivotal role of the government in achieving their objectives, highlighting plans to foster effective collaboration through regular communication channels.
With 15 companies already onboard, including MaishaPay, Velex Advisory, and Zando, the CFN seeks to foster cooperation and efficiency within the DRC’s fintech sector. Additionally, major banks like Ecobank and international organizations such as Deloitte and PWC will be involved.
Despite recent milestones like Tuma’s $500,000 funding round, Congo’s financial inclusion rate remains at 38.5% in 2022. To address this, the CFN aims to advocate for a conducive regulatory environment and legislative support for fintech innovation.
Following a trend observed across Africa, where startups collaborate with governments to establish industry standards, the CFN hopes to influence policies that promote investment, competition, and access to financial services. Tshilumba emphasized the role of technology in expanding financial inclusion by providing innovative solutions to underserved populations.
Moreover, the CFN plans to host the Congo Fintech Week conference in May, where they will release progress reports and strategies to enhance financial inclusion in the DRC. Branches of the network will be established in major cities like Kinshasa, Goma, Lubumbashi, and Matadi, further expanding its reach and impact.
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