The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has forged a strategic partnership with Sudan-founded fintech Cashi to expand digital payments infrastructure in Chad. Announced on 24 March 2026, the collaboration seeks to deliver interoperable, low-connectivity financial tools to individuals and businesses in underserved markets.

BRIDGE FINANCIAL INCLUSION GAP

Chad exemplifies the challenges this partnership addresses. Only around 10-15% of adults in Chad have a bank or mobile money account, compared with over 30% across sub-Saharan Africa. IFC said cash remains dominant in Chad's economy and access to formal financial services is limited.

Cashi's platform integrates banks, telecoms, and financial institutions into a unified ecosystem. Users conduct seamless transactions via mobile phones, SMS-based tools, and point-of-sale devices.

"This partnership enables us to work closely with regulators and ecosystem partners, build trust with local merchants, and deliver practical financial tools that people can use in their daily lives, even in low-connectivity environments," said Cashi CEO Tarneem Saeed.

EMPOWER SMES AND RURAL ECONOMIES

For small businesses, IFC said, the platform means fewer constraints when handling cash, lower transaction costs and better access to financial services, helping them grow revenues and support job creation.

Saeed said IFC's upstream support would allow Cashi to adapt its "proven, crisis-tested platform to the realities of central Africa." This entails collaborating with regulators and ecosystem partners to foster adoption and build trust.

"Expanding access to digital financial services through innovative, tailored solutions is critical in markets where smartphone penetration is low," said Olivier Buyoya, IFC Division Director for West Africa.

CASHI'S PROVEN AFRICAN FOOTPRINT

Founded in Sudan, Cashi has prioritized accessibility. Its platform is designed for low-connectivity environments where smartphone penetration is low. Users can send and receive money via mobile phones, point-of-sale devices and SMS-based tools.

IFC said the partnership aligns with the government's Tchad Connexion 2030 agenda, which identifies digitalisation and financial inclusion as key enablers of economic diversification, and reflects IFC's growing involvement in the Sahel.

REGULATORY AND ADOPTION HURDLES

Cashi's CEO said the partnership would let it work closely with regulators and ecosystem partners and build trust with local merchants.