What SOFIBANQUE does

SOFIBANQUE S.A. is a privately held commercial bank incorporated and headquartered in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, founded in 2010 by a group of long-standing local partners. It serves retail customers (individuals, professionals, NGOs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs/PMIs), large corporate clients, public-sector institutions, and mining-sector companies through an extensive branch network covering Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Kolwezi, Matadi and multiple secondary cities across Haut-Katanga, Lualaba, Kongo Central, Kasaï-Oriental and Haut-Uele, with representations extending into Kasumbalesa and Durba. As of 2024 it ranks as the fourth-largest bank in the DRC by assets, with a balance sheet exceeding $1.1 billion USD, and is led by CEO Henry Yoan Wazne under Chairman Abdallah Wazni.

The bank runs a full-service retail and corporate banking platform. Retail offerings include the Epargne Bombisa savings account (Classic and Gold tiers), term deposits (3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month), consumer credit, salary advances, travel insurance, and a tiered card portfolio spanning Visa (Classic, Gold, Infinite) and Mastercard (Websurfer prepaid, SOFICASH debit, Titanium, Platinum, World). Corporate banking includes investment credit, letters of credit, factoring, import/export financing, cash management, and currency exchange. Its technology stack combines proprietary Internet Banking, USSD, SMS Alert, and Visa Pay (a mobile payment application launched in partnership with Visa in November 2025), with the IDOM USA compliance software underpinning KYC/AML and blacklist screening operations.

SOFIBANQUE generates revenue primarily through net interest income on its loan book (approximately 30% of which is directed to DRC's mining sector, which represents nearly half of national GDP), transactional fees on payment cards and international money transfers via MoneyGram and BMCE correspondent banking, and recurring fees on deposit accounts, salary disbursement, and government payroll mandates. In 2023 it reported net banking income of $71M USD, up 51% year-over-year, and net income of $27.8M USD, up 33% year-over-year, supported by regulatory credentials (World Bank accreditation and US PATRIOT Act certification, both held since 2016) that distinguish it within the Congolese banking sector.

Name

SOFIBANQUE

Legal name

Sofibanque S.A.

Website

https://sofibanque.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Sofibanque is a Kinshasa-headquartered commercial bank serving retail, corporate, SME, government, NGO, and mining-sector clients across the DRC through branches, digital banking, and correspondent networks. It is the fourth-largest bank in DRC with a balance sheet exceeding $1.1 billion.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Banking

NAICS

Commercial Banking (522110)

SIC

National Commercial Banks (6021)

akta.pro primary industry

Underbanked/Financial Inclusion Neobanks (FSABAFAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trade & Invoice Payments (Cross-Border B2B) (FSAMAIAL), Multi-Currency Accounts, Wallets & IBAN Services (FSAMAIAG), Fraud, Risk, KYC/AML & Compliance Platforms (BPAMAFAI)

Keywords

• Commercial banking services
• Corporate trade finance
• Payment card issuance
• International money transfers
• Retail savings accounts

Headquarters

HQ city

Kinshasa

Offices31 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Corporate Banking Services: Banking services for large enterprises including corporate accounts, investment financing, import/export financing, cash management, and trade finance instruments
2. Retail Banking Services: Traditional banking products for individuals and SMEs including current accounts, savings accounts (Epargne Bombisa), consumer credits, and salary advances
3. Payment Card Operations: Revenue from payment cards including debit cards (SOFICASH), credit cards (MASTERCARD Titanium/Platinum/World, VISA Classic/Gold/Infinite), and prepaid cards (Websurfer)
4. Government Salary Payment Services: Salary payment services for public servants on behalf of government institutions
5. International Transfer Services: International money transfer services through MoneyGram partnership and correspondent banking network (BMCE)
6. Cash Management Services: Treasury management and remote account management services for corporate clients
7. Trade Finance Instruments: Documentary credits, guaranteed drafts (traites avalisées), and factoring services for corporate clients

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

SOFIBANQUE is a commercial bank operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo that delivers retail and corporate banking services through an extensive branch network and digital channels. Its core offerings include retail deposit and credit products (Epargne Bombisa savings, term deposits, consumer credit, salary advances), corporate banking services (corporate accounts, investment credit, import/export financing, cash management, trade finance instruments, factoring, currency exchange), payment cards (MasterCard and Visa across prepaid, debit and credit tiers), and digital banking (24/7 Internet Banking, SMS Alert, USSD, and Visa Pay mobile app) plus international money transfers via MoneyGram and SWIFT correspondent banking.

Product overview

Sofibanque is a commercial bank headquartered in Kinshasa, DRC, offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and services organized into two main customer segments: Retail (particuliers) and Corporate (entreprises). Its retail offering includes current accounts, savings accounts (EPARGNE BOMBISA in Classic and Gold tiers), term deposits (DAT), consumer loans (assigned credits for school enrollment, appliances, energy, motorcycles; and unassigned personal loans), salary advances, travel insurance, and digital banking services via Internet Banking, SMS Alert, and USSD. Its card portfolio spans Visa and Mastercard brands across prepaid, debit, and credit tiers (Visa Classic/Gold/Infinite; Mastercard Websurfer prepaid, SOFICASH debit, Mastercard Titanium/Platinum/World). Corporate services encompass investment credit, import/export financing (including letters of credit and factoring), cash management, fund convoying, currency exchange, salary accounts, and public sector disbursement. Sofibanque also provides compliance tools (KYC/AML), correspondent banking via SWIFT, and mobile payments through the Visa Pay application. The bank operates physical branches across Kinshasa, Matadi, Lubumbashi, Kolwezi, and representations in Mbuji Mayi and Kasumbalesa, with expansion planned for Goma and Bukavu.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SOFICASH: International debit card brand linked to current accounts for withdrawals and payments worldwide.
• COMPTE EPARGNE BOMBISA
• Internet Banking

Products and services

• Travel Insurance International travel insurance covering medical expenses and hospitalization (up to €30,000 per insured person per period), medical repatriation, emergency dental care, legal assistance (up to €762), and search and rescue costs (up to €700), available for purchase at SOFIBANQUE branches.
• WEBSURFER Prepaid Card Reloadable prepaid Mastercard for online purchases, usable on the internet 24/7 without requiring a SOFIBANQUE account. Priced at $15 + VAT. Limits: 20 daily / 50 monthly transactions; $500 daily / $2,000 monthly spending cap.
• Standard Prepaid Mastercard International prepaid Mastercard usable worldwide in stores and online, offering withdrawal and payment capabilities up to the loaded amount. Priced at $25 + VAT. Cash withdrawal: $2,000 daily / $4,000 monthly cap; electronic payments: $3,000 daily / $6,000 weekly cap.
• SOFICASH Debit Card International debit Mastercard linked to the customer's current account, enabling withdrawals and payments worldwide. Priced at $20 + VAT per year. Low-cost usage with no overdraft risk.
• MASTERCARD Titanium Credit Card Credit card with lifestyle-aligned spending limits and withdrawal facilities. Priced at $150/year. Limits across tiers: 15–30 daily transactions, $1,000–$2,500 daily caps, $1,500–$7,500 weekly caps.
• MASTERCARD Platinum Credit Card Premium credit card with high-end concierge services, travel insurance, emergency assistance in DRC and abroad, and exclusive privileges negotiated with premium brands. Priced at $300/year. Limits: $1,500 daily / $3,000 weekly.
• MASTERCARD World Credit Card Prestigious credit card offering exclusive services, luxury privileges, comprehensive travel insurance, and complimentary access to 600 VIP airport lounges globally. Priced at $600/year. Limits: $10,000 daily / $30,000 weekly; 30 daily / 50 weekly transactions.
• VISA Classic Credit Card Entry-level Visa credit card. Priced at $35/year standard, $25/year promotional. Weekly spending cap: $1,000.
• VISA Gold Credit Card Mid-tier Visa credit card. Priced at $200/year standard, $100/year promotional. Weekly spending cap: $2,000.
• VISA Infinite Credit Card Top-tier Visa credit card with premium privileges including complimentary access to 1,000+ VIP airport lounges via the Visa Airport Companion app (iOS/Android), up to 12% discount on Qatar Airways tickets (valid through December 2025), and exclusive VIP terminal access at Lubumbashi airport. Priced at $350/year standard, $300/year promotional. Limits: $7,500 daily / $15,000 weekly for electronic payments; $2,000 daily / $4,000 weekly for cash withdrawals.
• EPARGNE BOMBISA Savings Account Retail savings account available in Classic and Gold tiers. Classic offers 2% interest (USD) / 5% (CDF) with free SMS alerts and 2 free monthly withdrawals. Gold tier offers tiered interest rates from 3% to 5% (USD) and 7.5% to 10% (CDF) depending on balance, with a complimentary prepaid card and 3 free monthly withdrawals.
• Term Deposit Account (Compte à Terme / DAT) Fixed-term savings product with guaranteed returns set in advance. Interest rates: 3% for 3-month, 4% for 6-month, 4.5% for 9-month, and from 4.5% for 12-month deposits.
• Salary Account (Compte Salaire) Employer-managed salary disbursement account enabling secure monthly salary payments to employees' current accounts in USD or Congolese francs, with access to consumer credit products.
• Salary Advance (Avance sur Salaire) Short-term credit facility allowing pre-selected clients to access a temporary cash advance against their salary, bridging the gap between salary dates and immediate liquidity needs.
• Consumer Credit Products Consumer loans in two categories: assigned credits (school enrollment, appliances, energy, motorcycles) and unassigned personal loans, with amounts capped at three times the monthly salary.
• Internet Banking 24/7 online banking portal for account access, domestic and international transfers, salary payment processing, electronic statement retrieval, and check/cheque ordering and opposition management.
• SMS Alert Real-time SMS notification service delivering account transaction alerts (withdrawals, deposits, ATM/POS transactions, loan payments, salary credits) directly to the client's mobile phone.
• USSD Mobile Banking USSD-based mobile banking service enabling clients to access account information, perform transactions, and use financial services via basic mobile phones without internet connectivity.
• Investment Credit Medium-term financing for corporate investment projects including real estate, equipment purchases, vehicle acquisition, and working capital. Customized repayment terms, rapid decision turnaround, and expert advisory support.
• Cash Advance Facility (Facilité de Caisse) Short-term overdraft facility bridging temporary cash flow gaps between client receipts and fixed payment obligations such as supplier invoices and salary/social charge disbursements.
• Factoring (Affacturage) Invoice and receivables factoring service allowing businesses to receive immediate cash (up to 100% of invoice value) without waiting for customer payment due dates.
• Letter of Credit (Crédit Documentaire) Import-export payment mechanism whereby SOFIBANQUE commits to pay the seller upon presentation of compliant shipping and commercial documents, providing security for both buyers and sellers in international trade.
• Avalized Bill of Exchange (Traite Avalisée) Secured trade finance instrument in which SOFIBANQUE guarantees payment of a bill of exchange if the client's customer defaults, protecting sellers against buyer insolvency.
• Import/Export Financing Trade finance products supporting import and export operations for corporate clients, including letters of credit, documentary credits, and working capital financing tied to trade cycles.
• Corporate Banking Services Corporate banking services for large enterprises in the DRC, including investment strategy advisory, trade finance, import/export financing, cash management, fund collection, check remittance, and currency exchange operations.
• Retail Banking Traditional retail banking for individuals, professionals, NGOs, and SMEs/PMIs, covering deposit collection, credit distribution, and payment means (cards, transfers, cash management).
• Cash Management Treasury management and remote transaction service for businesses and institutional investors, enabling account monitoring, transaction management, and cash centralization without physical branch visits.
• Fund Convoying (Convoyage de Fonds) Secure cash-in-transit and fund convoying services for businesses and public sector clients managing large cash volumes.
• Public Sector Services (Services Publics) Banking solutions for public entities including salary account management for government agents, tax collection on behalf of the state, third-party fund management, and cash-in-transit services.
• Government Salary Disbursement (Paie des Fonctionnaires) Public sector payroll management service supporting government salary payments to civil servants, part of SOFIBANQUE's contribution to national reconstruction.
• Money Transfer Services (via SOFICOM TRANSFERT) Cash collection, recovery, and money transfer services across the DRC territory, leveraging the local agent network of partner SOFICOM TRANSFERT for nationwide coverage.
• International Money Transfer (MoneyGram) International money transfer services through the MoneyGram partnership, enabling cross-border remittances to and from the DRC using the MoneyGram network.
• International Wire Transfers (SWIFT) Cross-border payment services via SWIFT network (SWIFT code: SFBXCDKI), with correspondent banking through BMCE International (for USD and EUR corridors) and The Bank of New York Mellon for USD transactions.
• Currency Exchange Operations Foreign exchange services for corporate clients managing multi-currency transactions, supporting USD, EUR, and Congolese franc operations.
• Biometric Passport Processing Biometric passport application forms are available for purchase at SOFIBANQUE branches, facilitating international travel documentation for DRC residents.

Quantifiable outcome

• 33% increase in net income (to $27.8M USD) and 51% increase in net banking income (to $71M USD) in 2023 compared to previous year
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Visa PaycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 November 2025Strategic partnership making Sofibanque one of the launch partners for Visa Pay, a new mobile payment application launched in Kinshasa by Visa. The application enables merchant payments, money transfers, deposits, withdrawals, and online purchases via virtual cards in Congolese Francs and US Dollars, promoting financial inclusion.
• USAID (US Agency for International Development)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership between USAID's 'Alliance for Biodiversity and Development' (APBD) project implemented by Adam Smith International and Sofibanque to support SME development in Haut-Uele province. Sofibanque provides training, financial support, and market access to 33 local SMEs, primarily in the agricultural sector, with the goal of creating economic opportunities and reducing pressure on natural resources around Garamba National Park.
• MoneyGramcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2021Strategic partnership with MoneyGram, one of the largest international money transfer companies, to provide innovative digital financial services to all clients. This partnership enables Sofibanque to contribute to financial inclusion for the Congolese population through access to international money transfer services.
• BMCE (Banque Marocaine du Commerce Extérieur International)coreTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent banking partnership with BMCE for international wire transfers. BMCE serves as the correspondent bank for both USD and EUR transactions, with correspondent banking relationships in the US through Bank of New York Mellon for USD transfers.
• SOFICOM TRANSFERTcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic partnership with SOFICOM TRANSFERT, a financial messaging company, for fund collection, recovery, and transfer services across the DRC territory. Sofibanque leverages SOFICOM's extensive local agency network for its operations.
• AMADE (Association Mondiale des Amis de l'Enfance)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership supporting AMADE's humanitarian actions in DRC, including the 'Dignity for Women' program in North Kivu benefiting the Panzi Foundation (co-winner of 2018 Nobel Peace Prize), and the 'Capoeira for Peace' program that has reintegrated nearly 10,000 vulnerable youth in Goma. Sofibanque has contributed $500,000 in 2018 and another $500,000 for 2022-2025 projects.
• Operation SmileminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting Operation Smile's medical mission in DRC from November 11-16, 2019 at Clinique Ngaliema in Kinshasa. The mission provided free surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate conditions, with approximately 100 patients receiving treatment.
• ONG Jeunes au SoleilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenewed partnership supporting abandoned and vulnerable youth through funding for foster care integration, education, healthcare, hygiene, and cultural activities. The partnership covers support for Jeanne-Thérèse home for girls, Arche home for boys, and Cayla home for young adults.
• Mansa Music RDCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for the Wenge Musica reconciliation concert held June 30, 2022 at Stade des Martyrs. Sofibanque was official partner, providing 5,000 tickets to the population of Kinshasa as part of cultural responsibility initiatives.
• Diplomatic World MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia feature interview with CEO Henry Wazne highlighting the bank's role in DRC economic development and his position as Honorary Consul of Armenia in DRC.
• IDOM USAcoreTechnology or IntegrationCompliance monitoring software provider used by Sofibanque to monitor account openings, detect money laundering risks, filter names against blacklists, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Adam Smith International (ASI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementation partner for USAID's APDB project working with Sofibanque to support SME development in Haut-Uele province through training, financial support, and market integration.
• Institut Français de KinshasaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership supporting French cultural and educational activities in Kinshasa. Partnership includes both financial support and staff involvement as part of CSR activities.
• Fondation Denise Nyakeru TshisekediminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to fund university scholarships totaling $300,000 USD for Congolese students to study in DRC and abroad.
• Association Maman SophieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport for Association Maman Sophie, which is sponsored by the Italian Embassy in DRC and works for the benefit of disadvantaged populations in Kinshasa.
• French Week KinshasaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual participation in French business week bringing together French and Congolese economic actors to promote commercial exchanges and B2B meetings under the theme 'Doing Business in DRC'.
• African Mining IndabamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual participation in the African Mining Indaba, the premier mining investment event in Africa held in Cape Town. Sofibanque has participated since 2023 to engage with major mining actors and promote banking services to the mining sector.
• DRC Mining WeekmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerParticipation in DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi to provide banking solutions adapted to mining companies' needs in health, security, and treasury management.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Visa: Global payments network and strategic partner of SOFIBANQUE for card issuance (Visa Classic/Gold/Infinite) and the Visa Pay mobile application launched in DRC. Comparable as the underlying rail for SOFIBANQUE's card and digital payment revenue.

Broad incumbents

• Standard Bank: Africa's largest bank by assets with presence across multiple African markets. Overlaps with SOFIBANQUE in corporate, trade finance, and FX services for mining and large-enterprise clients across the continent.

Direct peers

• Equity Bank Congo (Equity BCDC): DRC subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings (Kenya), formed from acquisition of Banque Commerciale du Congo. Competes directly with SOFIBANQUE in retail/SME banking, digital channels, and cross-border remittances across the same national footprint.
• Ecobank DRC: DRC subsidiary of the pan-African Ecobank Group. Directly comparable as a universal commercial bank serving corporates, SMEs, and retail with correspondent banking, trade finance, and remittance products in the same DRC market.
• Rawbank: The largest privately-owned commercial bank in the DRC, headquartered in Kinshasa. Directly comparable to SOFIBANQUE across corporate banking, retail deposits, trade finance, and a similar multi-currency (USD/EUR/CDF) model serving the same mining and corporate client base.
• United Bank for Africa (UBA) DRC: Pan-African banking group with DRC operations offering corporate, retail, and cross-border payment services. Comparable to SOFIBANQUE in its universal banking model, multi-country African footprint, and emphasis on digital and remittance rails.
• Trust Merchant Bank (TMB): Major DRC commercial bank with a national branch network and strong corporate/retail franchise. Competes head-to-head with SOFIBANQUE in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi across deposits, lending, and trade finance for SMEs and large enterprises.
• Bank of Africa (BOA) DRC: Subsidiary of the pan-African BMCE/BOA network. Direct competitor in DRC corporate and retail banking with comparable multi-currency capabilities, correspondent banking relationships, and SME focus.
• Access Bank DRC: African subsidiary of Access Holdings with DRC operations. Competes in corporate and retail banking with similar emphasis on digital channels and cross-border trade finance for multinational corporates.

Emerging players

• ProCredit Bank: Development-oriented commercial banking group with operations across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Comparable to SOFIBANQUE in its SME and financial-inclusion focus, transparent disclosure standards, and institutional-grade compliance culture.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sofibanque
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sofibanque

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SOFIBANQUE