• MainMoney introduced palm-vein biometric payments that eliminate the need for cards or mobile phones.

• The system targets over 29 million mobile money users while addressing persistent cash dominance.

• The solution aims to expand financial inclusion and improve transaction security across sectors.

MainMoney has introduced palm biometric technology into the Congolese financial market through the deployment of its payment terminal. The company officially launched the device on April 29. It aims to facilitate transactions and expand financial inclusion across the country.

The solution allows users to make payments without a bank card or mobile phone. It uses biometric authentication based on the palm of the hand. The system relies on “Palm Vein” technology, which analyzes the internal vein pattern of the hand to identify each user.

This method offers higher security than traditional fingerprint systems because it uses unique biological characteristics that are difficult to replicate. As a result, it strengthens transaction reliability. Users must first register their biometric data to link their physical identity to their payment profile.

“This is what we want to explain behind the MainMoney concept: your hand becomes your wallet. 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 in our community. We wanted to expand financial inclusion,” said Sylvain Mubenga, Chief Executive Officer of MainMoney.

The device targets both individuals and organizations. It serves civil servants, students, and everyday service users, including those in supermarkets, fuel stations, and healthcare facilities.

For businesses, the platform centralizes payments and improves payroll management. It enables use cases such as wage payments based on actual working days, which can streamline administrative processes.

In a country where cash usage remains widespread despite mobile money adoption, the solution addresses persistent barriers to financial inclusion. It aims to secure transactions, reduce risks associated with cash circulation, and simplify access to digital financial services for a population still heavily reliant on physical currency.

Therefore, MainMoney positions its biometric payment system as a tool to accelerate the transition toward a more inclusive and secure digital financial ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum