French development finance institution Proparco has invested €600,000 in Sudanese fintech company Cashi, supporting efforts to expand digital payment services in a country struggling with severe banking disruptions and a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
The investment, announced on November 9, 2026, marks Proparco’s first financing operation in Sudan.
Proparco, a subsidiary of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group, said the funding would help Cashi strengthen financial services for individuals and businesses affected by the country’s ongoing conflict.
The investment was classified as an equity transaction, although the companies did not disclose Cashi’s valuation or the ownership stake acquired.
Cashi Provides Financial Services During Sudan’s Crisis
Sudan’s ongoing conflict has severely disrupted banking operations, cash supplies, telecommunications and other essential services.
For many families and small businesses, accessing money has become a daily struggle as conventional banking services remain difficult to reach.
Cashi is addressing these challenges through its digital payment platform, MyCashi, which allows customers to send and receive money, pay bills and deposit or withdraw cash through participating merchants.
According to Proparco, the platform has attracted approximately 2.2 million registered users, highlighting demand for alternative financial services.
However, the company has not disclosed how many of those users are currently active.
Digital Payments Without Reliable Internet Access
Founded in 2022, Cashi has developed payment solutions designed to operate in environments where internet connectivity is unreliable.
These include USSD services, SMS-based transactions and offline card solutions intended to improve access to essential financial services.
The technology is particularly important for communities where smartphone internet services are limited or disrupted by the conflict.
Cashi also works with local merchants who serve as payment access points, enabling customers to deposit and withdraw money without relying entirely on traditional bank branches.
Proparco Backs Financial Inclusion in Sudan
Proparco said the investment reflects its commitment to supporting African businesses developing solutions to critical economic and social challenges.
Guillaume Barberousse, Global Head of Investment at Proparco, emphasised the importance of reliable financial services in helping families maintain their livelihoods during difficult circumstances.
Cashi Chief Executive Officer Nina Saeed also highlighted the challenges facing Sudanese communities, where access to basic financial services can determine whether families receive money or small businesses continue operating.
The investment is expected to support Cashi’s operations and strengthen its ability to provide payment services in underserved communities.
Financial Technology Offers Hope Amid Conflict
Sudan’s banking crisis has demonstrated the importance of reliable digital payment infrastructure, particularly during humanitarian emergencies.
Financial technology companies such as Cashi could help individuals, merchants and humanitarian organisations transfer funds and access essential payment services where conventional systems are unavailable.
However, unreliable telecommunications, security concerns and limited cash availability remain significant obstacles.
The success of digital payment services will depend on maintaining secure systems, reliable merchant networks and sufficient cash liquidity.
A New Opportunity for African Fintech
Proparco’s first investment in Sudan highlights growing interest in financial technology businesses operating in fragile and underserved African markets.
While many fintech companies focus on faster payments and customer convenience, Cashi’s approach demonstrates how digital finance can also support economic resilience during emergencies.
The €600,000 investment represents an opportunity for the company to strengthen its services, although its long-term impact will depend on operational performance and the number of people who can reliably access the platform.
Have Your Say
Can digital wallets and mobile-money services become a lifeline for African communities when traditional banks close during conflicts and humanitarian crises?
Share your opinions and questions in the comments. We welcome your contributions to discussions about Africa’s digital financial future.
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Ndasi Tata is a Bitcoin entrepreneur from Cameroon, who holds an M.Sc in Blockchain and Digital Currency from the University of Nicosia. He is an advocate of Bitcoin in Africa and uses various social media platforms to promote his ideas and ventures. Tata has a background in state journalism and has established himself as a significant figure in the Bitcoin community.
