About Us

On March 31st, 2016 Opportunity International had entered into a share purchase agreement to sell a majority stake of its microfinance institution in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo to VisionFund International, World Vision’s microfinance arm. On August 29th, 2016 the Central Bank of Congo had approved the sale of 80% of shares from Opportunity International to VisionFund International and the change of name from Opportunity International DRC to VisionFund DRC.

VisionFund DRC operates through three branches and one community branch, all located in Kinshasa districts, serving over 2,861 families.

DRC has a population of approximately 70 million and is among the poorest countries in the world. It was ranked 176/187 on the United Nations Human Development Index in 2015.

Over 10.2 million people live in Kinshasa, a majority of whom are youth; almost 65% being less than 24 years of age. Many young people leave school early and engage in informal trading to meet the financial needs of their families.

The DRC is also considered to have one of the world’s lowest bank penetration rates, with only around 6 deposit accounts per 1,000 adults. 

Jacques Lom has been CEO to VisionFund DRC since September 2016, previously being Deputy Regional Director in West and Southern Africa and also Acting CEO of our MFI in Malawi. Prior to joining VisionFund, he had been MD/CEO of MicroCred Nigeria and then Development Director for MicroCred Africa.

 

Jacques holds a MSc. in Accounting and Financial Management and other qualifications in Microfinance.

 

VisionFund International owns 80% of the MFI in DRC while Opportunity International retains a 20% stake. A board of directors and management team oversees the work of the MFI.