Nigerian fintech Nomba is now scaling its cross-border payments infrastructure into Zambia, helping DRC businesses pay suppliers as it targets $1B in monthly volume.
The expansion lets businesses make supplier payments in US dollars or Congolese francs through licensed local partners. Nomba is targeting companies in agriculture, retail, and wholesale trade, where payment delays and foreign exchange constraints can tie up working capital.
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The move follows Nomba’s $3 million debt facility from CardinalStone Finance, secured in September to strengthen its infrastructure and increase the liquidity available for international settlements.
Improving Cross-Border Payments
The expansion comes as commercial ties between the two countries grow. Zambia’s goods exports to the DRC reached $1.6 billion in 2025, an increase of about one-third from the previous year, according to figures from the Bank of Zambia cited by Business Post Nigeria.
Yet moving money between the neighbouring markets can remain difficult for businesses dealing with fragmented banking systems, limited currency access, and slow settlement.
Nomba’s expanded corridor is designed to make supplier payments more straightforward. It allows businesses operating in the DRC to send funds to recipients in Zambia through established banking and mobile-wallet channels.
Strategic Growth and Infrastructure
The Zambia rollout follows Nomba’s September debt deal with CardinalStone Finance. The facility provides additional US dollar liquidity through the fintech’s banking relationships in Hong Kong and Singapore, supporting its settlement operations.
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Nomba reported processing more than $480 million in monthly payments across its DRC operations and Canadian-licensed money services business. It is targeting monthly volumes exceeding $1 billion as it expands into additional markets.
The company has also identified Uganda as another potential expansion market. It is using its DRC operations as a base for growth across Central and East Africa.
Founded in 2016, Nomba has evolved from a payments provider into a business banking and financial infrastructure platform.
Beyond expanding its international corridors, the company has outlined plans to introduce services including deposits, foreign exchange, and credit as its regional presence develops.
These additions would broaden its offering for businesses that need more than a way to transfer money. This is particularly relevant for those managing supplier payments, working capital, and transactions across multiple markets.
Why it Matters to African Businesses
Nomba’s expansion highlights a persistent challenge for intra-African trade: goods can move across borders more easily than the money businesses need to pay for them.
For importers, wholesalers, and retailers, unreliable settlement and access to foreign currency can delay orders and tie up funds. These resources could otherwise be used to replenish stock or grow operations.
By extending its corridor into Zambia, Nomba is building on its DRC operations to connect more businesses across regional markets. The next test will be whether the company can increase transaction volumes and expand its network while maintaining reliable settlement through local partners.
Engagement
