The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the most challenging places in the world to build a stable life. Decades of conflict, repeated displacement, and outbreaks of disease continue to shape daily routines for families, with UNHCR projecting that internal displacement could reach 9 million people by the end of 2026. Many families face severe food insecurity and are unable to travel safely or reach basic services because violence, road closures, and fragile infrastructure interrupt normal patterns of work and trade.
FINCA’s Impact in the DRC
Amidst this backdrop, FINCA DRC serves over 350,000 customers, providing a suite of financial services to support people in growing and sustaining their livelihoods and building their resilience. Across the DRC, we see our customers showing remarkable strength in the face of persistent struggles. They keep their businesses running, rebuild their homes, and care for their families while navigating constant uncertainty.
To ensure we can best support our customers, we always have a plan A, B, C, and D — and sometimes a plan E and F. Like our customers, we too have built our resilience muscle to make sure FINCA is always there for them.
-Sibia Ngayihembako, FINCA DRC Deputy CEO
To meet people where they are, FINCA DRC delivers financial services through a range of channels. Our focus on offering digital services like our CLICK application and building out one of the country’s largest agent banking networks is a cornerstone of that effort. By enabling our customers to transact business without coming into a branch, we make it safer and more convenient for them, saving long trips that carry both risk and cost. Our goal is always to get closer to our customers, but it has become so much more.
Building Resilience in the DRC through Financial Literacy Training
FINCA DRC offers financial literacy training to help people confidently use financial tools, plan for the future, and put practical skills to work right away. As families continue to face growing strains, the team has been expanding this outreach. In the Kenge territory, our local staff members held training sessions in three villages and saw far greater turnout than expected. We prepared for 450 participants, yet more than 600 people arrived, most of them women who walked in from surrounding communities. They asked specific questions about saving in small amounts, planning for school fees, and keeping business income separate from household needs. Many shared personal stories and encouraged neighbors to try new habits, creating an atmosphere of mutual support.
Financial literacy is also crucial for young people, who face some of the steepest barriers — yet hold the greatest potential when given a strong start. To mark the International Day of Education on January 24, FINCA DRC held workshops at three middle schools, reaching more than 220 students with lessons on budgeting, saving, and everyday choices that support long-term goals. The same spirit carried into a session at William Booth University in the capital city of Kinshasa, where more than 250 students gathered for a financial education event. Before the day ended, 178 students opened accounts using CLICK and made their first deposit with an agent, a momentous step towards building resilience.
Fostering Stability for Generations to Come
FINCA’s presence in the DRC reinforces a simple truth: Even in the hardest environments, people are ready to learn, invest in their futures, and take steps to build stability. Financial literacy provides the opportunity to build practical knowledge, while digital and agent channels open doors to tools they can use every day. In villages and classrooms, we see people showing up with curiosity and determination, asking questions, and taking greater control of their financial lives — and we are proud to show up for them.
