The association, known as the Congolese Fintech Network, will seek to enhance access to investment opportunities and promote information sharing in Congo, with a goal to accelerate financial inclusion.

The strategic partnership aims to facilitate financial inclusion by providing consumers and businesses with a new and effortless way to conduct e-commerce transactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The FINNIX mobile app, which is regulated by the Bank of Thailand, was developed by MONIX and offers microfinance loans through a completely digital process from loan application to approval and disbursement.

The grant will allow Opportunity International to provide micro and small business loans, digital tools and specialized technical training to women-led small- and micro businesses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda.

The investment aims to support a resilient recovery by promoting business growth, creating jobs, and fostering financial inclusion.

Ongoing shifts toward e-commerce, digital payments (including contactless), and instant payments have all been significantly boosted during the pandemic with real-time payments surging by 104 percent.

The Bank of Thailand has been asked to review the ceiling of interest rates and supervise credit cards, personal loans and car loans, as the Thai government has vowed to tackle high household debt, incurred by credit card and personal loans.

Notwithstanding border restrictions, the region’s digital payments ecosystem is growing as countries collaborate to connect their domestic payment systems.

Congo-based fintech Flash has launched a payment tool including a Visa card offering, Flash Money, for the Congolese market.