Visa appoints Fally Ipupa as face of Visa Pay in Democratic Republic of Congo

The partnership was announced at a media event in Kinshasa on 21 September. It forms part of Visa’s efforts to promote digital payments and financial inclusion in the DRC, where the Central Bank is pursuing a shift towards a cashless economy.

Under the partnership, Ipupa will promote Visa Pay through consumer campaigns, digital content, public appearances and community engagement 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,” Visa DRC managing director Sophie Kafuti said.

Kafuti added that the partnership would also strengthen Visa’s engagement with the African creative economy.

“His influence extends beyond music. He connects generations, uplifts communities and audiences across Africa and the diaspora. This partnership is rooted not only in his reach, but also in our shared belief that creativity and technology can open new opportunities.”

Ipupa said he saw similarities between the role of music in connecting people and the potential of digital technology to expand access to opportunities.

“Music has always been about bringing people together, creating opportunities and inspiring people to dream bigger. I see the same potential in digital innovation. I am proud to partner with Visa Pay and I hope to encourage more Congolese consumers to embrace the digital economy, connect to new opportunities and participate in the future with confidence.”

Visa Pay was launched in the DRC in September 2025. The interoperable payments and e-commerce platform allows users to make and receive payments and transfer money through a mobile application available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, as well as through the mobile applications of participating banks, mobile operators and fintech companies.

The service is currently available through Access Bank, Sofibanque, Solidaire Banque and UBA. Customers of participating institutions can open an account and receive a digital Visa card through Visa Pay.

Trust Merchant Bank Pepele customers can access the service through the Pepele application, while other financial institutions are integrating the platform.

Visa Pay users can make online payments using their digital Visa cards and transfer money to other Visa Pay users using registered mobile numbers rather than bank account details.

The platform also supports contactless payments on eligible mobile devices, allowing users to pay at compatible terminals without carrying cash or a physical bank card.

The partnership with Ipupa comes as Visa seeks to increase awareness and adoption of digital payment services in the DRC while engaging with the country's music and wider creative industries.