Nomba Expands Cross-Border Payments to Zambia, Opening New Opportunities for African Businesses

Nomba Expands Cross-Border Payments to Zambia, Opening New Opportunities for African Businesses

Nigerian fintech company Nomba has expanded its cross-border payment services from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into Zambia, marking another important step towards making business transactions easier across African countries.

The expansion will allow businesses operating in the DRC to send payments to suppliers in Zambia using US dollars and Congolese francs. Through partnerships with licensed financial service providers in Zambia, the money can be received directly into bank accounts or mobile wallets.

The announcement is significant because many African businesses depend on international suppliers and customers but still experience difficulties when transferring money between countries. Nomba's expansion aims to address some of these challenges by making payments faster and more convenient.

Why the DRC-Zambia Trade Route Matters

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia share an important trading relationship. Businesses in both countries are involved in industries such as agriculture, retail, wholesale and other commercial activities.

According to the Bank of Zambia, Zambia's goods exports to the DRC reached approximately US$1.6 billion in 2025, representing an increase of about one-third compared with the previous year.

Despite this growing trade relationship, businesses still face problems such as slow international transfers, foreign exchange shortages and the difficulties of managing cash across borders. These challenges can delay supplier payments, affect business operations and prevent companies from using their money when they need it.

For example, a Congolese business that needs to pay a supplier in Zambia may experience delays when sending money through traditional payment channels. Such delays can affect the delivery of goods and create additional pressure on business owners.

By extending its payment corridor, Nomba hopes to reduce these difficulties and help businesses complete transactions more efficiently.

What This Means for Cross-Border Payments in Africa

Nomba's expansion highlights the growing importance of financial technology in connecting African markets. As trade between African countries increases, businesses need reliable payment systems that allow them to transfer money without unnecessary delays.

The development also shows that fintech companies can play an important role in supporting economic growth beyond their home countries. Instead of operating only within one market, financial technology providers are increasingly developing services that connect businesses across different African economies.

Founded by Yinka Adewale and Pelumi Aboluwarin, Nomba has grown from a payments company into a business banking and financial infrastructure platform. The company currently processes more than US$480 million monthly across its DRC operations and Canadian-licensed money service business.

Looking ahead, Nomba plans to raise additional funding to support its expansion. It also hopes to introduce more services, including deposits, foreign exchange and credit, for businesses operating along the trade corridor.

Overall, the expansion into Zambia is more than a business development for Nomba. It represents an effort to address one of the challenges affecting African trade: moving money easily between countries. If initiatives like this continue to develop, they could help African businesses reach new markets, manage their finances more effectively and participate more actively in regional trade.