MainMoney Launches Palm-Based Payment System in DR Congo

MainMoney has introduced a palm-vein biometric payment system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, allowing users to complete transactions without cards or mobile phones. The company launched the technology on April 29, presenting it as a solution to simplify payments and reduce reliance on cash..

The system uses palm-vein recognition to identify users. Instead of fingerprints, it scans the vein patterns inside the hand, which are unique and harder to replicate. This adds a layer of security while removing the need for physical payment tools. To use the service, individuals must first register their biometric data, linking their identity to a payment profile.

Market Context and Use Cases

The rollout targets a market where mobile money is already widely used but has not fully replaced cash. More than 29 million Congolese have mobile money accounts, and some also use banking services, yet cash remains dominant in everyday transactions.

“This is what we want to explain behind the MainMoney concept: your hand becomes your wallet,” said Chief Executive Officer Sylvain Mubenga. “We created MainMoney because we know that at least 29 million Congolese have a mobile money account, and some also have a bank account, but cash still dominates. We wanted to expand financial inclusion.”

The device is designed for both individuals and businesses. It can be used by civil servants, students, and everyday consumers in places such as supermarkets, fuel stations, and healthcare facilities. For businesses, it offers a way to centralize payments and manage payroll more efficiently, including linking wages to actual working days.

Implications for Financial Access

The system is entering a market where access is not the main issue, but usage patterns are. While digital financial services are available, many transactions still take place in cash. MainMoney’s approach focuses on narrowing that gap by making digital payments easier to use and more secure.

By tying payments directly to a user’s biometric identity, the company positions the system as both a security upgrade and a practical alternative to cash, with the aim of gradually shifting how transactions are handled across the country.