Molo Molo Pay explores DRC expansion

Fintech company Molo Molo Pay, which began operations in Côte d'Ivoire in April 2025, is considering entering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company aims to provide a service that allows consumers to pay for goods in installments before receiving the products. In a statement from October 22, 2026, Molo Molo Pay confirmed it is in talks with potential partners in Kinshasa but has not yet announced a launch date or the amount of investment involved. The company’s founder and general manager, Oussoumanou Sehou, recently visited the Congolese capital to meet with entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and technology experts to evaluate the feasibility of launching the platform.

Installment model differs from credit services

Molo Molo Pay’s model focuses on digitizing installment payments, enabling consumers to accumulate funds for a purchase through multiple payments. Using the app, customers choose a product from a partner merchant and pay according to their financial capacity. The item is delivered or picked up only after the full price has been paid. This approach contrasts with traditional consumer credit or deferred payment services, where goods are typically received before the full payment is made. With Molo Molo Pay, the customer pays first and does not receive a credit advance for the purchase.

Targeting irregular income earners

The platform is designed for consumers with daily or irregular incomes. In Côte d'Ivoire, Molo Molo Pay offers products such as phones, household appliances, furniture, and motorcycles. The company is also developing features that allow users to gradually pay for rent, insurance, airplane tickets, and payment links for merchants on social networks. However, it is unclear whether these additional services will be available in the DRC upon its potential launch.

Fees and constraints for users

Although Molo Molo Pay does not provide credit, the service includes fees and restrictions for consumers. In Côte d'Ivoire, the company charges a fixed fee of 1,000 CFA francs to create an order and a 10% fee on already paid amounts if a user wants to change the product or merchant. These terms also limit the ability to retrieve cash payments, except in cases required by law. Users must therefore consider that their payments are immobilized until the product is delivered.

Unclear terms for DRC users

The company has not yet disclosed the fee structure or terms applicable in the DRC. Details about how funds will be retained, cancellation policies, and guarantees for Congolese customers remain unspecified. The company’s implementation in the DRC will need to comply with local regulations. Depending on whether Molo Molo Pay collects and transfers payments directly or through partners, it may require approval from the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) or the use of authorized financial partners. No official approvals or partnerships in the DRC have been announced.

Competing in a growing digital payment market

Molo Molo Pay plans to enter a market where digital payments already rely on banks, electronic currency operators, and specialized service providers. As of July 15, 2026, the BCC registry listed 48 approved service providers operating in various areas of the financial ecosystem. The company’s challenge will not be to introduce a new payment method but to convince consumers and merchants to adopt a pre-paid purchase model with multiple installments. Its success will depend on the fees charged, payment security, and the partnerships it forms with local actors.