The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had 23.1 million Mobile Money users in Q1 2024, against 18.2 million in Q1 2023 and 8.1 million in Q1 2020. According to the country’s telecom regulator, the ARPTC, 40.33% of all mobile users in Q1 2024 had a Mobile Money account. Over the period, the number of mobile users stood at 57.5 million, spread across the DRC’s four major operators: Vodacom, Orange, Airtel, and Africell.

Kinshasa led the users and revenue charts in early 2024 regarding mobile users. The capital housed 5.29 million users generating over $23.24 million in revenue. Haut-Katanga and Nord-Kivu followed with revenues of $14.43 million and $8.42 million, respectively. Bas-Uele Central had the highest average revenue per user at $3.10, attributed to habits formed during election periods. Vodacom held the largest market share with 52.05% of Mobile Money subscribers and over $43 million in transaction sales.

Over Q1 2024, the penetration rates for mobile users and mobile money were 60.4% and 24.4%, respectively, nationwide. Total mobile revenues stood at $86.3 million, reflecting an average monthly revenue per user of $1.27, suggesting that this could be doubled or more.

To achieve this growth, both public and private sectors must implement several measures. These include ensuring interoperability of mobile financial services and educating users to promote Mobile Money adoption while reducing cash reliance. Additionally, improving access to mobile devices, expanding telecom network coverage, and enhancing service accessibility could further stimulate consumption in this sector.

Muriel Edjo