Increasing numbers of agent networks are emerging in the DRC, particularly for financial institutions such as EquityBCDC Express, FBN Monie, Ecobank Xpress, and Pepele Mobile, as well as MFIs like FINCA eXpress, Cahi Digital, SMICO Digital, and Guilgal Cash, and telecoms such as M-Pesa, AirtelMoney, Orange Money, and AfriMoney.

Competitors are establishing themselves, expanding, and revolutionizing the mobile financial services sector. Consequently, developing an extensive distribution network, especially in emerging and developing nations, with local collaborators (banking agents), poses a significant challenge.

Cost is a major hurdle to financial inclusion as it pertains to both bank expenses in managing accounts with low value and expanding infrastructure into underserved regions, and customers' expenditures on accessing bank branches (in terms of time, money, transportation, etc). Consequently, feasible financial inclusion necessitates pioneering business approaches that drastically cut costs for all participants, and allow the lucrative extension of financial services to impoverished populations. This is where Agency Banking (retail banking) plays an increasingly vital role in advancing financial inclusion.

In this context, this report analyzes the contours and evolution of Agency Banking in the Democratic Republic of Congo.