Visa has named Congolese musician Fally Ipupa as the brand ambassador for Visa Pay in the Democratic Republic of Congo, about a year after the digital payments platform was launched in the country.
Visa announced the partnership at a media event in Kinshasa on Sept. 21, 2026. Ipupa will feature in consumer campaigns, digital content, public appearances and community initiatives promoting the service.
Visa DRC Managing Director Sophie Kafuti said the musician’s reach would help the company connect its digital payments campaign with consumers in the country and the wider African creative sector.
“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,” Kafuti said.
“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 digital technology could play a similar role to music in connecting people and creating 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.”
A digital payments platform
Visa Pay was launched in the DRC in September 2025 as Visa sought to expand digital payment access and interoperability in the country’s financial system.
The platform allows users to send and receive money, make payments and access digital Visa cards through a mobile application. Participating banks and financial institutions can also integrate Visa Pay into their own applications.
The service supports transfers using registered mobile phone numbers, allowing users to send money without entering a bank account number. Its virtual Visa cards can be used for online payments.
Visa Pay also supports contactless payments on compatible mobile devices and terminals.
At launch, Visa announced partnerships with several financial institutions, while other banks and financial technology companies have since worked on integrating the platform.
The service has also been connected with mobile-money networks, expanding the ways users can fund and access their digital wallets.
The launch came as the DRC continued to expand digital financial services and financial inclusion. The International Monetary Fund has cited the growth of mobile-phone payment services as a factor in the country’s expanding access to financial services.
Ipupa’s appointment gives Visa a high-profile figure in Congolese popular culture as the company seeks to increase awareness and use of Visa Pay among consumers.
